FN Threat Data Analysis- August 2025
Ten cases of different categories were recorded against journalists across Pakistan during August 2025, including threat of legal action, actual legal action, assault resulting in injury and others. Most incidents were reported from Punjab Province.
These cases were categorized as follow:
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Assault resulting in injury
These incidents were reported through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program FN is managing since 2016. In collaboration with the seven largest press clubs — Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Islamabad, Peshawar and Gilgit — the program monitors and documents violations against media, its practitioners and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risks.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Irfan Khan, Azad Digital (Peshawar)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 13 August 2025, investigative journalist Irfan Khan posted on X alleging that deputy commissioner positions in Lakki Marwat, Malakand, and Karak districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being sold for up to Rs25 million. Following this, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Secretary Establishment filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), accusing the journalist of spreading false and defamatory content against the provincial government. The NCCIA subsequently summoned Khan to appear at its Peshawar office on 25 August. The notice warned that failure to comply could result in legal proceedings under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, including seizure of property and suspension of his digital identity.
Threat Developments:
The case has raised concerns among press freedom advocates over the use of cybercrime laws and administrative mechanisms to silence journalists reporting on alleged corruption. Legal experts argued that the invocation of Section 174 of PPC in this context appears excessive and may be intended as a tool of intimidation rather than legitimate accountability. Journalists’ unions have called for the summons to be withdrawn, stressing that investigative reporting into governance and corruption falls squarely within the public interest.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Suhail Warraich, Jang Newspapers (Columnist)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
An application was submitted with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) seeking registration of a FIR against senior journalist and columnist Suhail Warraich over a column regarding Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir. In his column and related social media posts, Suhail Warraich reported that the COAS, when asked about politics, remarked that “political reconciliation is possible only if there is a sincere apology.” The DG ISPR dismissed the account as misleading, stating that the army chief had not made any political statements during his Brussels visit and accused “some individuals” of distorting facts for publicity. Despite the backlash, Suhail Warraich stood by the statements made in his column.
Threat Developments:
The NCCIA has yet to formally register an FIR against the seasoned journalist, but the application has raised concerns within the journalist community about the use of legal framework to target opinion and analysis pieces. Media and press freedom advocates warned that such applications can have a chilling effect on columnists and commentators, discouraging them from writing critically about powerful institutions.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Akbar Notezai, Dawn News (Correspondent, Quetta)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
Journalist Akbar Notezai received a notice from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) accusing him of defaming a senior Balochistan officer in one of his investigative stories. The FIA summoned him to appear before the agency, which he complied with. Akbar Notezai stated that the action stemmed from an investigative story he published last year and that the case amounts to retaliatory targeting him for his reporting.
Threat Developments:
The Baluchistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) and his employer Dawn are actively engaged in resolving the matter. Press freedom advocates have expressed concern over the use of defamation-related accusations and FIA notices to pressure journalists engaged in investigative reporting, warning that such actions could discourage accountability journalism in Baluchistan.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Mian Waseem Ahmed, Daily Ausaf (Correspondent, Gujranwala)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 7 August 2025, police in Gujranwala registered an FIR against journalist Mian Waseem Ahmed of Daily Ausaf, allegedly in retaliation for his reporting on alleged police misconduct. Following the FIR, officers from Model Town Police raided Ahmed’s residence in the Classkay area of Gujranwala district, under the pretext of searching for a wanted suspect. Eyewitnesses reported that the raid involved severe violations of privacy, harassment of women, and damage to personal property. The sanctity of chadar and chardiwari, a principle safeguarding the privacy of homes and women in Pakistan, was blatantly disregarded during the operation, according to the journalist.
Threat Developments:
The FIR has sparked outrage among journalist communities in Gujranwala, who denounced the move as a blatant attempt to suppress critical reporting and intimidate the press. Local unions and press freedom advocates have demanded immediate withdrawal of the FIR, disciplinary action against the police involved in the raid, and stronger protections to ensure journalists can report on police accountability without fear of retaliation.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Khalid Jamil, Freelance Reporter/Analyst)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 22August 2025, journalist Khalid Jamil was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Islamabad on allegations of posting “highly intimidating content” on social media platform X. The FIR, registered on 08 August 2025 at the NCCIA Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, accused Khalid Jamil of spreading “false and misleading information” that allegedly mocked and ridiculed state institutions, thereby inciting public discontent. Charges were filed under Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (offenses against the dignity of a natural person) and Section 26A (dissemination of false and fake information). The investigation officer sought six days’ remand for further inquiry and evidence collection.
Threat Developments:
On 23 August 2025, Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Mureed Khan Abbas ordered Jamil’s immediate release, noting that the FIR’s content did not fall within the legal ambit of “propagation or derogation.” The magistrate stressed that freedom of speech is a constitutional right, and there was “no incriminating material” to justify the arrest. Press freedom groups welcomed the decision but condemned the misuse of PECA provisions to detain journalists for their critical commentary on governance and state institutions.
Actual Legal Action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Iftikhar Ul Hassan, Samaa / PTV (Director News)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 29 July 2025, journalist Iftikhar Ul Hassan from Multan posted on social media regarding actions taken by the deputy commissioner and chief officer of Municipal Committee against the Grand City Housing Scheme in Vehari district, Punjab province. Following this, the Vehari administration filed an FIR against him under Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The FIR was registered through Chief Officer Naeem Khalid. Journalist groups and colleagues have criticized the move, viewing it as retaliation for his reporting and commentary on administrative actions.
Threat Developments:
The FIR has been widely condemned by journalist circles in Punjab, who termed it an attack on freedom of the press. Press freedom advocates warned that misuse of PECA provisions to criminalize public interest reporting poses serious risks to public interest journalism. Calls have been made for the FIR to be withdrawn and for authorities to refrain from targeting journalists for their critical reporting.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry, Crime Reporter, Lahore Rang
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 29 July 2025, Senior journalist Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry highlighted alleged corruption during the construction of a road on Club Road, Vehari, Punjab province, through a video he uploaded to his social media account. In response, the Municipal Corporation (Infrastructure) registered a FIR against him under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), accusing him of defaming the institution.
Threat Developments:
The FIR sparked strong condemnation from civil society and journalist groups. Muhammad Shoaib, District Chief Organizer of the Human Rights Commission and a member of the National Union of Journalists Lahore, denounced the FIR, calling it an attack on press freedom. He demanded its immediate dismissal to prevent unrest among journalists, warning that otherwise media professionals across the district would be compelled to take their own course of action.
Assault without Injury
Journalist: Faisal Qudoos, Bagh Times(Bagh, AJK)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 14 August 2025, journalist Faisal Qudoos was covering flood story in Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, when he was allegedly harassed and slapped by a policeman. Eyewitnesses reported that Faisal Qudoos was seeking information on rescue measures from police officials when one officer reacted angrily and physically assaulted him. The incident occurred while the journalist was performing his professional duty of reporting on an emergency situation. Local journalists and community members condemned the police officer’s conduct as “unprofessional,” demanding disciplinary action against him.
Threat Developments:
Despite widespread condemnation from fellow journalists and locals, the Bagh police administration has not issued an official statement. Press associations in AJK have urged the Inspector General Police and higher authorities to ensure accountability, stressing that such behaviour undermines the safety and dignity of media workers reporting from disaster zones.
Assault Resulting in Injury
Journalist: Mohammed Khalid Khan, 92 News (Cameraman, Rahim Yar Khan)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 11 August 2025, Cameraman Mohammed Khalid Khan was attacked while doing a report on the passport office in Rahim Yar Khan. According to Khalid, after public complaints he began recording footage inside and outside the office when several agents, along with Riyaz Baloch and unidentified individuals, physically assaulted him. During the attack, his mobile phone was destroyed, microphone broken, and a gold chain weighing two tola allegedly fell from his pocket. The incident occurred while Khalid was filming passport office agents outside the passport office, where a man grabbed him and broke his microphone.
Threat Developments:
The incident sparked strong condemnation from Rahim Yar Khan’s journalist community. Senior journalist Bilal Habib, ex-secretary of the Press Club, termed the attack a violation of access to information and freedom of expression. Rahim Yar Khan Press Club President Chaudhry Shahbaz also denounced the assault, calling it part of a worrying trend of growing violence against journalists in the district. Press freedom advocates have urged the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure protection for media workers reporting on public service institutions.
Assault Resulting in Injury
Journalist: Shabbir Hussain Shah, Ausaf (Muzaffarabad, AJK)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 08 August 2025, in Upper Adda area of Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir region, senior journalist Shabbir Hussain Shah was stopped by two police officers who allegedly identified him through a photo on their mobile phone. The officers attempted to assault him and acted disrespectfully, leading to a heated argument. Eyewitnesses reported that the policemen then became aggressive, physically assaulted the journalist, issued threats, and tore his clothes. Shabbir Shah was rescued by friends who rushed to the scene and prevented further from being harmed.
Threat Developments:
The journalist has lodged a formal complaint with senior police officials. Journalist organizations in Muzaffarabad have condemned the assault as an attack on press freedom and demanded disciplinary and legal action against the responsible officers. The case has sparked concern about police impunity and the growing hostility toward journalists in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Five print media journalists, three television journalists, and two digital journalists received threats during August 2025.
Threat Actor:
State authorities were believed to be involved in eight cases, while non-state actors were believed involved in two cases.
