FN Threat Data Analysis – November 2024
An increase in cases against journalists was witnessed across Pakistan as Freedom Network (FN) documented 17 cases of threats during November 2024. These cases are categorized as follows:
Digital Threats
Attempt to Murder (Survived Assassination Attempt)
Assault Resulting in Injury
Legal Action (Civil or Criminal)
Detention (Suspicion/No Formal Case)
Kidnapping (By Known Sources)
Attack on Home
These incidents were reported through the Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program managed by FN since 2016 in partnership with six major press clubs in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Islamabad, and Peshawar. This network monitors violations against media practitioners while providing critical support to journalists at risk.

Digital Threats
Journalist: Yasir Farooq, Correspondent, Geo News
Date & Location: November 7, 2024 – Sukkur, Sindh
Threat Actors: Unknown
Incident Summary: Yasir Farooq received threats and became the target of malicious propaganda on social media via anonymous accounts. He linked the threats to his reporting on a Sikh Gurdwara incident where a local resident, Ali Mughal, disrupted worship and incited religious hatred. The harassment extended to his family through smear campaigns.
Post-Incident Development: Farooq filed a complaint with FIA Cybercrime, seeking legal action, but no action has been taken to date.

Attempt to Murder (Survived Assassination Attempt)
Journalist: Nadeem Ahmed, Crime Reporter, 92 News
Date & Location: November 20, 2024 – Karachi, Sindh
Incident Summary: Nadeem Ahmed survived an assassination attempt when unknown gunmen opened fire near his office, causing a leg injury. His condition stabilized after medical treatment.
Threat Actors: Unknown
Post-Incident Development: DIG East Usman Ghani Siddiqui led the police investigation, collecting evidence and initiating a review of CCTV footage to identify the attackers.

Arrest (Formal Case/FIR)
Journalist: Matiullah Jan, Neo TV / MJ TV
Date & Location: November 26, 2024 – Islamabad
Incident Summary: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted from the PIMS Hospital parking area by unidentified men in an unmarked vehicle, as alleged by his son on social media. On November 28, Islamabad police claimed Jan was formally arrested for an altercation at the E-9 security checkpoint. FIR No. 715/2024 included terrorism and narcotics charges, alleging assault on a constable and seizure of a government-issued weapon.
Threat Actors: State Authorities
Post-Incident Development: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) initially granted two days of physical remand. However, Jan’s legal team challenged the remand, leading the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to suspend the ATC order on procedural grounds. The IHC placed Jan in judicial custody and scheduled the next hearing for December 2, 2024.

Detention (Suspicion/No Formal Case)
Journalists: Umer Shinwari (Samaa News) & Saim Afridi (Khyber News)
Date & Location: November 8, 2024 – Landi Kotal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Incident Summary: While covering a protest rally opposing the arrest of Shah Khalid (Chairman, Tehsil Council Landi Kotal), police detained and allegedly tortured Shinwari and Afridi. The journalists were released after two hours following intervention from Landi Kotal Press Club members.
Threat Actors: State Authorities
Post-Incident Development: Bajaur Press Club strongly condemned the incident. Its president, Hasbanullah, demanded the immediate suspension of SHO Adnan Afridi and his guards for their involvement.

Attack on Home
Journalist: Farooq Shah, MG TV (Digital Media)
Date & Location: November 11, 2024 – Dargai, Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Incident Summary: Unidentified men fired shots at Farooq Shah’s residence in the early hours of the morning. While no injuries occurred, the attack damaged the boundary wall. Shah stated he has no known personal enmity and regularly reports on local issues.
Threat Actors: Unknown
Post-Incident Development: Levies officials collected evidence and registered a case against the unidentified assailants.

Assault Resulting in Injury
Journalists: Muhammad Adil (Aik TV), Qurat ul Ain (Independent Urdu), Mohammad Yousaf (Associated Press)
Date & Location: November 26, 2024 – Islamabad
Incident Summary: During coverage of a protest rally, demonstrators attacked the journalists. Qurat ul Ain was assaulted with a spiked baton, causing a leg injury. Protesters also attacked the Aik News office, damaging windows and property.
Threat Actors: Political Party Supporters
Post-Incident Development: Media organizations condemned the violence and called for enhanced security measures to protect journalists during political events.

Threat Actors
The threat actors responsible for these violations include:
State Authorities
Non-State Actors
Political Parties
Criminal Gangs
Unknown Sources

Summary of Threats
Media Professionals Affected:
11 TV Journalists
3 Print Media Journalists
2 Digital Journalists
1 Other Media Professional
These incidents reflect the diverse and persistent threats faced by media professionals across Pakistan.

Conclusion
The documentation of 17 distinct cases in November 2024 highlights the pressing need for stronger protections for journalists and accountability for perpetrators. The Freedom Network urges authorities to take immediate and concrete actions to safeguard media professionals and uphold press freedom.