FN Threat Data Analysis- September 2025
Fourteen cases of different threat categories, including murder, threat of legal action, actual legal action, assault resulting in injury and others, were documented against journalists across Pakistan during September 2025. The most incidents were reported from Punjab Province.
These cases were categorized as follow:
Murder (successful assassination attempt)
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
Threat to murder
Censorship
These incidents were reported through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program FN is managing since 2016. In collaboration with seven largest press clubs — Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad. The program monitors and documents violations against media, its practitioners and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risks.
Murder (successful assassination attempt)
Journalist: Imtiaz Mir, Anchor– Metro 1 News (Karachi)
Threat Actor: Unknown group
Incident Summary:
On the night of 21 September 2025, TV anchor Imtiaz Mir, who hosted Aaj Ki Baat with Imtiaz Mir talk-show on Metro 1 News TV channel, was shot and wounded in what police believed a targeted attack in Karachi’s Malir Kala Board area. Gunmen, riding on two motorcycles opened fire at Mir’s car while he was returning home with his elder brother, Muhammad Saleh. Mir sustained three bullet injuries, while Saleh was received one bullet.
Initially, Imtiaz Mir was shifted to a private hospital where he was placed on a ventilator. Later that night, he was transferred to Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday – 28 September 2025.
Police confirmed that the attack was a “deliberate attempt to kill, not a robbery.” DIG Farrukh Lanjar suggested personal enmity linked to a land dispute in Kandhkot “as a possible motive,” while Saleh echoed this claim. However, conflicting media reports pointed to a sectarian and pro-Iran groups targeting Mir due to his recent visit to Israel and personal political stance. SSP Tariq Nawaz reaffirmed that it was a targeted attack, with investigations launched using CCTV footage to track the attackers.
Threat Developments:
Sindh Home Minister Zia ul Hasan Lanjar condemned the killing, ordered immediate arrest of the culprits, and stressed the state’s responsibility to protect citizens. The murder sparked outrage from journalists’ unions and press freedom advocates, who denounced the killing as a direct assault on free expression. The conflicting narratives surrounding the motive ranging from private enmity to sectarian retaliation highlighted the precarious environment for journalists in Pakistan and the urgent need to address impunity in attacks on media workers.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Shahbaz Rana, Daily Express Tribune
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 13 September 2025, senior journalist Shahbaz Rana of The Express Tribune was indicted in a defamation case over a report published on 27 April 2024 regarding the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The article alleged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had removed 25 senior FBR officers after intelligence agencies raised concerns about their financial integrity and performance. An FBR official filed a complaint, calling the report “defamatory and scandalous.” The Islamabad court subsequently framed charges, putting Rana on trial.
Shahbaz Rana has rejected the allegations as “baseless,” insisting his story was based on authentic official documents. He also pointed out that the Prime Minister himself had publicly referred to the same matter and that his report did not name the complainant or the 25 officers.
Threat Developments:
The indictment has been widely condemned by journalist bodies including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), and the National Press Club (NPC). They criticized the proceedings as one-sided and warned of possible retaliatory actions, including reports of a potential raid on Rana’s office. Media rights groups argue that the case sets a dangerous precedent by criminalizing investigative reporting backed by documentary evidence, while government officials named in the petition, such as the Secretary Interior and Secretary Finance, were not issued notices. Press freedom advocates see the indictment as an intimidation tactic aimed at deterring journalists from holding state institutions accountable.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Abdullah Momand, Dawn News
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 18 September 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur served a Rs1 billion defamation notice on Dawn journalist Abdullah Momand. The notice, delivered through the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accused Momand of “tarnishing” the Chief Minister’s reputation by asking “derogatory questions” during a press interaction in Islamabad. The queries included: “Who is really running the KP government?”, “Why were Taimur Jhagra and Kamran Bangash not included in the cabinet despite Imran Khan’s instructions?”, and “Is Faisal Amin Gandapur controlling provincial matters?”
The legal document stated that these questions inflicted “mental distress” and lowered the Chief Minister’s respect among colleagues and the public. It cited Sections 3 and 4 of the Defamation Ordinance 2002, which address publication of false statements harming reputation. Gandapur demanded an unconditional written apology within seven days, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action under cybercrime laws.
Threat Developments:
As of 25 September 2025, no further proceedings have been reported. Press freedom advocates view the case as an alarming attempt by a sitting Chief Minister to weaponize defamation and cybercrime laws against a journalist for performing his professional duty of asking public-interest questions. Media bodies have expressed concern that such notices could discourage journalists from holding powerful political figures accountable.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Zubair Ali Khan, Freelance
Threat Actor: Political Party
Incident Summary:
On 15 September 2025, Khalid Latif Khan, former Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, served a Rs1 billion defamation notice on freelance journalist, YouTuber, and social media anchor Zubair Ali Khan. The notice, issued through Marwat Law Attorneys by Advocate Shahid Ullah Mehsud, accused Khan of publishing “false and derogatory” content on digital platforms, including tweets, vlogs, and posts that allegedly damaged Khalid Latif Khan’s political career and standing within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The complaint specifically cited a vlog posted on 18 February 2025, which allegedly used “derogatory and defamatory language” against Khalid Latif Khan and his brother, Member of National Assembly Sher Afzal Khan Marwat. The notice characterized this as “character assassination and harassment.” Invoking the Defamation Ordinance 2002 and the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, the legal notice demanded removal of all content and a public apology to remain online for 30 days. It warned that failure to comply within 15 days would result in a Rs1 billion damages suit, a complaint to the FIA Cyber Crimes Wing, and injunctive relief.
Threat Developments:
The deadline for compliance expires on 30 September 2025. No further proceedings have yet been reported. Digital rights advocates warn that the case exemplifies the growing use of defamation and cybercrime laws by political figures to intimidate independent and digital journalists. Press freedom groups caution that such legal threats risk silencing online voices critical of powerful actors and undermining independent reporting in the digital sphere.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Kashif Abbasi, Freelance
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 17 September 2025, TV anchor Kashif Abbasi alleged that authorities had frozen his wife Meher Bukhari’s bank account on the orders of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). According to Abbasi, when Bukhari visited her bank, she was informed that her account had been blocked under FIA directives. Abbasi further stated that his own name had been placed on a block/no-fly list for several months.
Abbasi described the move as “absurd” and questioned whether citizens in Pakistan still enjoy fundamental rights. The incident came just months after Abbasi was reportedly taken off air following an episode of his talk show “Off the Record,” which discussed a report alleging irregularities in the 2024 general elections. The freezing of Bukhari’s account appears to fit into a broader pattern of pressure on journalists addressing politically sensitive topics.
Threat Developments:
Neither the FIA nor the government has issued a public statement explaining the account freeze. Abbasi has publicly protested on social media, framing the action as a violation of basic citizenship rights. Press freedom advocates and media analysts have flagged the incident as an alarming case of state overreach and intimidation, warning that such measures represent a chilling attack on journalists’ independence and critical reporting.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Arshad Ansari, Geo TV / President Lahore Press Club
Threat Actor: Non- State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 19 September 2025, Geo News channel reporter and Lahore Press Club president Arshad Ansari received a notice from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) summoning him to appear or face legal action. The notice alleged that Ansari had used “malicious language” against senior police officers during a podcast. Prior to this, multiple complaints had been filed against him at different police stations.
The legal campaign was reportedly orchestrated by Aziz Ullah Khan, a former DSP and YouTuber, allegedly in coordination with senior police officers. Alongside the notices, Khan launched a character assassination campaign against Ansari on his YouTube channel. In response, Ansari filed a petition in the Lahore High Court (LHC). The Chief Justice of the Lahore Hiugh Court subsequently ordered the suspension of the NCCIA notice against the journalist.
Threat Developments:
The case highlights the combined use of state institutions and private influence to pressure a journalist through legal threats and online smear campaigns. Media bodies have expressed concern that Ansari’s case reflects a pattern of harassment against press club leaders and reporters critical of police officials. The intervention of the LHC in suspending the notice provided temporary relief, but journalists’ unions stress that misuse of cybercrime mechanisms against reporters remains a pressing threat to media freedom in Punjab.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Naeem Hanif, RNN Web Channel (Lahore)
Threat Actor: Non- state Actor
Incident Summary:
On 21 September 2025, Lahore Police raided the home of the brother of journalist Naeem Hanif, anchorperson at RNN Web Channel and president of the Punjab Union of Journalists, in an attempt to arrest him. The raid followed a complaint filed by former DSP and YouTuber Aziz Ullah Khan, who alleged that Hanif had launched a “malicious campaign” against senior police officials.
According to the complaint, Hanif had highlighted corruption within the police force, while Khan accused him of defaming police officials. The case was lodged both at a local police station and with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). In response, Hanif petitioned the Lahore High Court (LHC). The Chief Justice subsequently suspended the NCCIA notice and directed that Hanif should not be arrested.
Threat Developments:
The case illustrates the growing use of police raids and cybercrime mechanisms to target journalists reporting on corruption. Media organizations condemned the attempt to arrest Hanif, noting that the raid endangered his family and violated due process. Press freedom advocates argue that collaboration between state institutions and politically connected individuals like Aziz Ullah Khan reflects a troubling trend of using legal and cybercrime frameworks as tools of intimidation against independent journalists.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Fraz Ahmed, Geo News (Lahore)
Threat Actor: Non- State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 19 September 2025, Geo News channelreporter Fraz Ahmed received a notice from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) summoning him to appear or face legal action. The notice alleged that Ahmed had used “malicious language” against senior police officers in a podcast. Multiple applications were also filed against him in police stations.
The campaign was reportedly managed by former DSP and YouTuber Aziz Ullah Khan, allegedly in collaboration with senior police officers. Alongside the legal complaints, Aziz Ullah Khan launched a character assassination campaign against Ahmed on his YouTube channel. In response, Ahmed petitioned the Lahore High Court (LHC). The Chief Justice subsequently ordered the suspension of the NCCIA notice against him.
Threat Developments:
The case highlights a recurring pattern in which legal notices and cybercrime mechanisms are deployed against journalists in Punjab with the support of private actors. Media bodies expressed concern that Ahmed’s case mirrors other recent incidents involving NCCIA and Aziz Ullah Khan, suggesting a coordinated effort to silence critical reporting. The intervention of the LHC provided temporary relief, but journalist unions warned that continued misuse of legal tools to harass reporters poses a serious threat to press freedom.
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Journalist: Amjid Manj, Reporter, Lahore Rung TV (Lahore)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 12 September 2025, reporter Amjid Manj of Lahore Rung TV went with his cameraman to Shahdra Flyover/Bypass in Lahore to cover a public situation. While filming and interviewing people, police officers intervened, stopped him forcefully, and snatched his camera.Amjid Manj was then taken to Shahdra Police Station where, on the reported instructions of Sub-Inspector Hussain Shah, he was physically assaulted, dragged, and his clothes were torn. Despite his protests, no immediate action was taken against the officers. Amjid Manj submitted a complaint, but authorities initially ignored it.
Threat Developments:
The incident highlighted growing concerns about police high-handedness against journalists covering public spaces. For nearly two weeks, no accountability followed until protests by journalists pressured the authorities. After 15 days, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Lahore suspended Sub-Inspector Hussain Shah. Press freedom advocates and journalists’ unions criticized the delay in action, stating that the suspension came only after collective pressure, reflecting systemic impunity and lack of timely redress for attacks on journalists.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist: Ghulam Rasool Khan, Correspondent– NNI (Bahawalpur, Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 20 September 2025, senior journalist Ghulam Rasool Khan, correspondent for NNI News Agency Islamabad, was arrested by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) after reporting on an illegal online money laundering network in Rahim Yar Khan. The case, which was already under trial in a local court, had drawn public attention following Rasool’s coverage. His arrest came shortly after the publication of the report. Despite being taken into custody under formal charges, Rasool was not produced in court for several days, raising concerns about procedural violations and possible retaliation for his reporting.
Threat Developments:
The arrest sparked strong protests from journalistic circles in Bahawalpur and beyond, who condemned the action as an attempt to silence critical reporting on financial crimes. Media rights groups highlighted that Rasool’s detention without timely court appearance violated due process and reflected the misuse of cybercrime laws to suppress press freedom. Calls were made for his immediate release and for guarantees that journalists covering corruption and financial malpractices would not face reprisals.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalist: Shoaib Iftikhar, Crime Reporter-Daily Khabrain (Multan, Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 24 September 2025, crime reporter Shoaib Iftikhar of Daily Khabrain Multan published a diary exposing corruption within the Crime Control Department (CCD). Four days later, on 28 September 2025, CCD officials allegedly retaliated by arresting him illegally. During his detention, Iftikhar was severely tortured, his eyebrows, moustache, and hair forcibly shaved off, and his photo was circulated along with a press release branding him as an accused person. Instead of addressing the allegations of corruption raised in his reporting, CCD authorities registered a case against him based on the complaint of an individual with a criminal record.
Threat Developments:
The Multan Union of Journalists (MUJ) strongly condemned Iftikhar’s arrest, torture, and the registration of a false case, terming it an attack on press freedom and a grave violation of human rights. Both factions of MUJ, represented by presidents Shahadat Hussain and Anjum Pitafi, issued joint statements denouncing the CCD’s actions and emphasizing that journalists cannot be silenced through intimidation and inhumane treatment. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also expressed concern, while protests were announced by journalist organizations demanding Iftikhar’s immediate release, withdrawal of false charges, and an impartial inquiry into the incident.
Threat to murder
Journalist: Sajid Nazir, Crime Reporter, Daily Azeem-ul-Shan (Multan, Punjab)
Threat Actor: Non State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 12 September 2025, crime reporter Sajid Nazir of Daily Azeem-ul-Shan Multan published a report in print and on social media alleging that the apparent suicide of a woman named “N” in DHA Multan was in fact a murder. The story, based on information provided by the victim’s sister, contradicted the initial account of the incident. Following the publication, the victim’s husband pressured Nazir to withdraw the story and threatened to kill him if he refused.
Threat Developments:
Nazir reported the threats to Setal Mari Police Station in Multan. Acting on his complaint, police arrested the accused under Section 157. Journalist organizations expressed concern over the safety of reporters investigating sensitive crime cases, warning that such threats create a chilling effect on coverage of issues involving domestic violence and suspected murder cases.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry, Crime Reporter, Lahore Rang TV (Vehari, Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 29 July 2025, senior journalist Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry of Lahore Rang TV in Vehari uploaded a video on social media exposing alleged corruption in the construction of a road on Club Road, Vehari. In response, the Municipal Corporation (Infrastructure) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), accusing him of defaming the institution.
Threat Developments:
The FIR was widely condemned by press freedom advocates and human rights groups. District Chief Organizer Muhammad Shoaib, a member of the Human Rights Commission and the National Union of Journalists Lahore, denounced the move as a direct attack on press freedom. He warned that if the FIR was not withdrawn immediately, it would heighten unrest among local journalists and potentially lead to collective protest action. Rights groups stressed that reporting on alleged corruption is a matter of public interest and should not be criminalized under PECA.
Censorship
Journalist: Sami Ibrahim, Freelance
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 25 September 2025, senior journalist Sami Ibrahim was prevented from recording a live statement on the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) while covering proceedings in “al-Qadir case” against former prime minister Imran Khan. The action followed the issuance of a new circular (No. 306/Security/IHC) prohibiting video recording and live streaming within courtrooms, corridors, chambers, and waiting areas of the court.
The circular also mandated that mobile phones remained on silent mode and authorized court security to stop unauthorized recordings, confiscate devices, and remove violators from the premises. Copies of the circular were circulated to relevant judicial and journalist bodies. While the directive is aimed at maintaining courtroom decorum, it has restricted journalists’ ability to report live from the IHC premises.
Threat Developments:
The ban has raised concerns among media practitioners who argue that such blanket restrictions undermine transparency in high-profile cases of public interest. Press freedom advocates warned that preventing live reporting from court premises targets accountability and obstructs timely access to information for the public. Journalist unions have urged the IHC to review the circular and adopt alternative mechanisms that balance security with the constitutional right to press freedom.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Six print media, five television, one internet, and two other media journalists received threats during September 2025.
Threat Actors:
State authorities were believed to be involved in eight cases, in four cases non-state actors, in one case political party and in one case unknown actors.
DISCLAIMER: The image is AI-created under human supervision at FN office.
