FN Threat Data Analysis- February 2026
Five cases of different threat categories were recorded against journalists across Pakistan during February 2026, including detention, actual legal case, assault resulting in injury and attack on home. Punjab Province tops threats list against journalists.
These cases were categorized as follow:
Detention (based on suspicion/without formal case)
Attack on home/property/assets of journalists
Assault resulting in injury
Actual Legal Case
These incidents were reported through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network; a program FN is managing since 2016. In collaboration with the eight largest press clubs — Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gilgit and AJK — the program monitors and documents violations against media, its practitioners and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risks.
Detention (based on suspicion/without formal case)
Journalist: Bilal Ghauri, Reporter– YouTube Chanel/ Columnist Jang Karachi
Threat Actor: State Authority
Incident Summary:
On 8 February 2026, veteran Pakistani journalist and vlogger Bilal Ghauri was stopped and briefly detained by immigration authorities at Jinnah International Airport while attempting to travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ghauri was scheduled to cover Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections, set for 12 February 2026, the first national polls since the 2024 ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to fellow journalists, Ghauri was prevented from boarding his flight after his name reportedly appeared on Exit Control List (ECL). Images circulated on social media showed him seated near his luggage, with what appeared to be handcuffs, raising concerns within the media community regarding possible restrictions on journalistic mobility.
Threat Developments:
On 9 February, Ghauri issued a statement on X clarifying that the incident resulted from a technical error and asserting that no state institution was responsible. He stated that the matter had been resolved, confirmed his intention to travel to Dhaka on the next available flight, and thanked the relevant authorities for their cooperation.
As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been issued by the authorities clarifying the circumstances surrounding the stop, the reported inclusion of Ghauri’s name on the ECL, or the basis for his brief detention.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Khurram Iqbal, Bureau Chief, Hum News Lahore
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 13 February 2026, journalist Khurram Iqbal, a producer with Hum News channel, was detained for several hours before being released by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore.
According to initial reports, Iqbal was picked up at approximately 1pm by unidentified men from his sister’s residence in Lahore. The lack of official information regarding his whereabouts triggered widespread concern on social media, with journalists and civil society actors demanding clarification and accountability.
Threat Developments:
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) urged federal and provincial authorities, including the interior and information ministries, to take immediate steps to ensure Iqbal’s safe recovery. Similarly, the Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors condemned the reported incident and called for his immediate release. In a statement, the association said that Iqbal’s family had informed them that armed men in plainclothes had taken him from the residence, and expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of harassment and intimidation of journalists.
Earlier in the day, senior officials of the Federal Investigation Agency denied that any action had been taken against the journalist. Provincial authorities also did not issue any public statement while the incident was unfolding.
Later in the evening, it was confirmed that Iqbal was in the custody of the NCCIA. A senior agency official stated that he had been taken in for questioning. However, no details were provided regarding the nature of the inquiry or any formal charges. Iqbal was released at 9pm the same day.
Attack on home/property/assets of journalists
Journalist: Ihsan Ullah Khattak, Freelance Reporter, Bannu
Threat Actor: Unknown
Incident Summary:
On 12 February 2026, unidentified armed individuals opened fire at the residence of senior journalist and former president of the Bannu Press Club, Ihsan Ullah Khattak, in Bannu city in Khbyer Pakhtunkhwa province.
The incident occurred late at night, when the attackers targeted the main gate of Khattak’s house before fleeing the scene. No injuries or fatalities were reported. At the time of reporting, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack, and the motive remains unclear.
The firing incident represents a serious security concern and highlights the persistent risks faced by journalists, particularly those operating in sensitive or conflict-prone environments. While investigations are reportedly ongoing and no conclusions can be drawn at this stage, such attacks contribute to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within the media community and may have a chilling effect on journalistic work.
Threat Developments:
Police authorities have intensified investigations into the 12 February 2026 firing incident at the residence of the journalist. According to officials, evidence has been collected from the crime scene, and efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the attack. A First Information Report (FIR) has been formally registered, and the investigation is currently ongoing. Authorities stated that multiple angles are being examined, including the possibility of motives linked to the journalist’s professional work. As of the latest available information, no arrests have been made, and no formal charges against identified suspects have been publicly confirmed. The investigation remains in progress.
Actual Legal Case
Journalist: Agha Obaid, Reporter, Olas News, Quetta
Threat Actor: State Authority
Incident Summary:
On 18 February 2026, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against journalist Agha Obaid, owner of the social media platform Olas News, in Quetta. The FIR was lodged by an inspector of the Excise and Taxation Department, Balochistan.
According to the complainant, an excise team was conducting routine checks against Non-Custom-Paid (NCP) vehicles when they stopped a car for verification. The inspector alleged that Agha Obaid arrived at the scene and asked officials to release the vehicle. It was further claimed that the journalist used abusive language and issued threats against the inspector and other members of the team.
In a conversation with Freedom Network, Agha Obaid rejected the allegations, describing them as false and baseless. He stated that he neither threatened any official nor interfered with the performance of official duties, and maintained that the case constituted harassment and misuse of legal provisions against a journalist.
Threat Developments:
Subsequently, the court granted Agha Obaid pre-arrest bail in the matter. As of the time of reporting, the case remains pending, and no determination on the merits of the allegations has been made.
Assault Resulting in Injury
Journalist: A B Arisar, Correspondent Dawn News, UmerKot (Sindh)
Threat Actor: Others
Incident Summary:
On 27 February, journalist A.B. Arisar, a correspondent for Dawn media group in Umerkot and General Secretary of the Umerkot Press Club in Sindh province was attacked and injured while performing his professional duties in Solangi Mohallah, near Sultan Chowk.
According to reports, Arisar was gathering information on the alleged forced eviction of several Solangi families from a disputed property a day earlier. The affected families were protesting what they described as excessive use of force by police during the eviction process, alleging that women, children, and elderly individuals were physically assaulted and verbally abused. Police officials, however, maintained that the eviction was carried out in compliance with a court order.
During his reporting, Arisar was confronted by more than three individuals who attempted to prevent him from speaking with the affected families. He was subjected to threats and physical assault, during which one of the suspects, identified as Dilbar Bhayo, allegedly pointed a firearm at him and threatened to shoot if he did not leave the area. Bystanders reportedly intervened, preventing further harm.
Sustaining injuries to multiple parts of his body and with his clothes torn, Arisar proceeded to the local police station and lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Bhayo and other individuals, including Ali Murad Dal.
According to Arisar, Bhayo is an employee of the Agriculture Department’s Water Management Wing and had previously had his membership cancelled by the press club. Arisar stated that Bhayo had harboured resentment over this decision, which may have contributed to the attack.
Threat Developments:
Following the incident, a meeting of the Umerkot Press Club’s office-bearers and members strongly condemned the assault and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Subsequently, Uzair Ahmed Memon, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Umerkot, confirmed to media that Dilbar Bhayo had been arrested, and that efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
One print media, twotelevision, and two digital journalists received threats during February 2026.
Threat Actors:
State authorities believed to be involved in threecases, others in one case, and unknownactors in one case.
