FN Threat Data Analysis – May 2025
Journalists faced 10 threat cases in May 2025 across Pakistan, categorized as follows:
Assault resulting in injury
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Attempt to murder (survived assassination attempt)
These incidents were reported through the 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, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit— the program monitors and documents violations against media, its practitioners, and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risks.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalist: Younus Rajar, Senior Investigative Reporter, Sare Aam Team
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On May 9, 2025, Journalist Younus Rajar of the Sare Aam investigative team narrowly escaped a fatal gun attack in Hyderabad, Sindh. The incident occurred late Friday night as Younus Rajar and his family were returning home from a relative’s residence in Aliabad Colony, within the jurisdiction of Hatri Police Station. Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the journalist’s vehicle in what is suspected to be a targeted retaliation for his investigative reporting.
Tragically, the attack claimed the life of Younus Rajar’s wife, 33-year-old Fehmida Rajar. Younus himself sustained a facial gunshot wound, his 10-year-old son Misri Khan was shot in the head, and his 62-year-old father Rahim Bux Rajar was injured by a bullet in the hand. All victims were seriously wounded.
In his police statement, Younus Rajar alleged that the attack was carried out by Ayaz Chandio and his associates, in response to a video report he had published exposing illegal betting dens in the locality. The video had gone viral on social media platforms.
Threat Developments:
A FIR (No. 137/2025) was registered at Hatri Police Station on May 10, 2025, under Sections 302, 324, 506(2), 504, and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), as well as Sections 6/7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The case was subsequently moved to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) 1 in Hyderabad. Three suspects—Ayaz Chandio, Ahmed Khawaja, and Deldar Khawaja—have been arrested, and trial proceedings are expected to begin shortly.
The journalist has requested legal assistance. The Hub Coordinator dispatched the required legal aid and threat identification forms to Younus Rajar, but they have not yet been returned.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalists: Bilal Habib – Anchor, Rohi TV,Kamran
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On May 21, 2025, Bilal Habib and his Rohi TV team were attacked while covering an anti-encroachment operation in Multan’s No. 14 Chungi area. The crew had parked their vehicle in front of a shop and began filming when the shopkeeper, Owais, demanded the vehicle be moved. Habib replied that it would be moved once the driver arrived. In response, Owais verbally abused Habib, attacked him with scissors, and snatched the camera from cameraman Kamran, breaking the equipment.
A FIR was registered the same day at Shah Rukn Alam Police Station. However, the accused secured pre-arrest bail.
Threat Developments:
The incident drew strong condemnation from the Multan Press Club, the Multan Union of Journalists (MUJ), and other journalist associations. They decried the rising frequency of physical attacks on journalists, particularly during coverage of sensitive issues such as anti-encroachment operations.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalists Affected: Irfan Musazai, Asif Shehzad, Danyal Aziz, Arif Hayat, Zeeshan Kakakhel
Threat Actor: State actors
Incident Summary:
A group of journalists invited by the Frontier Corps to cover Eid celebrations at the Torkham border were allegedly subjected to physical assault and mistreatment by FC personnel following the event. The journalists—representing various national and regional outlets—had been formally invited via Fort Bala Hisar, Peshawar, to record festivities with troops stationed at the Pak-Afghan border.
During the return journey, logistical mismanagement led to the journalists being dropped back at a broken-down coaster vehicle and left stranded without transport for over four hours. When some journalists protested, tensions escalated with FC officer Major Ibtisam and his subordinate photographer Sharafat, who reportedly told the journalists, “Whoever wants to get in the vehicle can, the rest can go to hell.”
Threat Developments:
Senior journalist Irfan Musazai was reportedly manhandled and sustained a head injury during the confrontation. Asif Shehzad’s mobile phone was confiscated. Other journalists managed to defuse the situation, but the group was left to make their own way back without proper support or accountability.
The Peshawar Press Club and the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) immediately condemned the incident. KhUJ General Secretary Irshad Ali and President Kashif Uddin Syed issued a strong statement, terming the FC’s conduct “unprofessional, humiliating, and unacceptable,” and demanded disciplinary action.
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Journalist: Nasr Ullah Khattak, Correspondent (Neo News)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
In Tangi tehsil of Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, journalist and social media influencer Nasr Ullah Khattak was physically assaulted while covering a government-led operation against an illegal vegetable market. The market had been declared unlawful by the district administration, with official notices directing vendors to shift operations to a designated market facility.
During the enforcement action, Nasr ullah Khattak—who is affiliated with Neo News and operates a local news platform, Tangi News—was attempting to report on the scene. He was initially barred from filming inside the market premises by laborers and workers. Upon continuing his coverage from outside the market, Nasr ullah Khattak was allegedly assaulted by the same group.
Threat Developments:
Following the incident, Nasr Ullah Khattak filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Tangi Police Station, naming the individuals involved in the attack. The journalist is known locally for creating promotional and awareness content about civic issues and also holds a government position as a bill distributor with WAPDA.
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Journalist Affected: Azhar Nadeem Bodla, Correspondent-Lahore Rang TV
Threat Actor: State actors
Incident Summary:
On May 13, 2025, Azhar Nadeem Bodla, a local journalist and press club official, was physically assaulted and threatened at gunpoint by a hospital worker during a routine reporting assignment. Bodla had arrived at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in response to public complaints that doctors were absent from duty.
Upon arrival, he was intercepted by Haji Muhammad, a Class-IV hospital worker, who reportedly slapped him, pointed a gun at him, and issued death threats to stop him from covering the story. The assault occurred at the hospital gate and was intended to prevent the journalist from performing his professional duties.
Threat Developments:
A FIR was lodged on May 14, 2025, by the victim, but no arrest or substantial action has been taken by law enforcement so far. Meanwhile, the journalist has reported continued threats from the accused, raising concerns for his safety.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Amjid Iqbal, Editor, Nawa-e-Sharrar (Urdu daily)
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On May 6, 2025, the office of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mianwali issued a summons to Amjid Iqbal, Editor of Urdu daily Nawa-e-Sharrar, in response to a published news report alleging embezzlement of Rs150 million in the public tendering process. The report claimed irregularities in contract awards and accused the administration of violating merit, which allegedly harmed the reputation of the district institution.
Amjid Iqbal appeared before the DC on May 8 and defended the report, but stated that his explanation was dismissed. He told Freedom Network (FN) that the DC behaved inappropriately during the meeting and retaliated by banning official government advertisements for Nawa-e-Sharrar. Iqbal maintained that his journalistic duty is to report on wrongdoing within the district administration.
Threat of legal action (by state – law related)
Journalist: Multiple local journalists in Charsadda; Rifaqat Ullah Razarwal (Freedom Network Safety Hub KP Coordinator)
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On May 24, 2025, journalists in Charsadda covered a press conference held by Fayaz Salar, head of Mazdoor Kisan Party, who alleged unlawful arrest and mistreatment by authorities. After sharing the video of the press conference on social media, journalists received anonymous calls from individuals claiming to be ISI representatives. These callers demanded the immediate removal of the video, citing that Salar was listed under Schedule IV and barred from media coverage. Journalists were warned that failure to comply would lead to legal action under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). Under pressure, they deleted the videos. Rifaqat Ullah Razarwal condemned the threats publicly and was subsequently warned through the Charsadda Press Club President to “fall in line.”
Threat Developments:
Following the press conference, there was a swift and coordinated effort by alleged ISI operatives to intimidate journalists through anonymous calls, pressuring them to remove the video coverage under threat of PECA-based legal action. Despite public condemnation by Freedom Network’s safety coordinator, the intimidation escalated as the coordinator himself became a target of warnings delivered via local press club leadership. This demonstrates an ongoing pattern of state-linked actors suppressing independent media coverage through legal and extralegal threats.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist Affected: Shafqat Malana, Reporter for Rohi TV and 24 News
Threat Actor: State Authorities- Punjab Police
Incident Summary:
Shafqat Malana was arrested on May 18, 2025, while covering an anti-encroachment operation in Kot Addu. His arrest followed an FIR registered on May 15 at the City Police Station, based on a complaint by a local revenue officer (patwari). The complaint alleged that Malana, along with 13 others, incited the public against the government, obstructed the official operation, made threatening remarks toward the patwari, and posted anti-state content on social media platforms.
Police accused Malana of delivering provocative speeches during the operation and using social media to disseminate rebellious content against state institutions. According to Investigating Officer ASI Muhammad Mujahid, Malana was present to cover a protest by traders during the government-led anti-encroachment drive.
Threat Developments:
The Multan Union of Journalists condemned the arrest, calling it an act of retaliation aimed at silencing critical reporting. Union president Anjum Khan Pitafi labeled the charges as politically motivated and without merit. The union has demanded the intervention of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Secretary, and the Inspector General of Police, requesting the formation of a commission to investigate the rising number of legal actions and arrests targeting journalists in Punjab.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist: Anas Nawaz, Freelance Journalist
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On March 18, 2025, freelance journalist Anas Nawaz was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from his residence in Lake View Society, Bani Gala, Islamabad. The arrest followed accusations that Nawaz had unlawfully accessed and shared sensitive data from the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports. According to the FIA, Nawaz posted passport images and personal information from a government database on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), causing public unrest and violating state confidentiality laws.
The FIA lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against him under Sections 6, 7, 9, and 10 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, claiming his actions threatened state institutions and public confidence.
Threat Developments:
Anas Nawaz, who is known for his critical stance on military interference in civilian matters, rejected the charges and called the arrest politically motivated. He linked the arrest to his earlier social media commentary questioning military influence and his coverage of the May 9, 2023 attack on the Corps Commander House.
Nawaz recounted that on the night of March 18, over 20 plainclothes personnel raided his home, confiscating his phone, laptop, press card, and identity documents before detaining him blindfolded and handcuffed. He was held in solitary confinement for 24 hours without being informed of any charges and alleges he was subjected to degrading treatment and psychological coercion during FIA custody.
He was later sent to Adiala Jail on judicial remand and has since been released on bail. Nawaz’s confiscated equipment has not been returned. He appeared before the court on May 26, 2025, but the hearing was adjourned until mid-June. The journalist continues to face trial under PECA.
Attempt to murder (survived assassination attempt)
Journalist: Atish Mehsud
Threat Actor: Unknown Group
Incident Summary:
Social media influencer Atish Mehsud survived an attempt on his life in North Waziristan on 19 May 2025 unharmed. He is known for highlighting local issues and reporting corruption via his independent social media platform. The incident follows earlier intimidation when he was physically assaulted by local contractors after exposing corruption in road projects.
Threat Developments:
Following the attack, Atish Mehsud remains at risk, especially given his prior physical assault for exposing local corruption. The identity of the assailants remains unknown, and no protective action has been reported by authorities. His continues highlighting local issues, despite threats and logistical challenges, puts him in a precarious position. The case underscores the growing risks faced by independent digital activists in tribal and conflict-affected areas of Pakistan.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Five television journalists, three print journalists, one internet journalists and one social media influencer received threats during May 2025.
Threat Actors:
State actors were believed to be involved in six cases, non-state actors in three cases, and in one case the threat actors were unknown.
