Journalists Face Mounting Legal and Physical Threats in December 2025: FN Monthly Report
Tweleve different threats, including attempts to murder, physical assaults, legal intimidation, detentions without formal charges, and direct threats to life, journalists faced in the last month of 2025 – December. These cases highlight sustained pressure on journalists, especially those reporting on governance, security, politics, and accountability, reflecting the shrinking space for independent journalism in the country. These cases were categorised as follows:
Attempt to murder
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Threat to murder
Assault resulting in injury
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Detention (based on suspicion / without formal case)
These incidents were reported through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program FN is managing since 2016. In collaboration with eight 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.
Attempt to Murder
Journalist: Nadeem Zia, Reporter, Samaa TV
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 5 December 2025, Samaa News channel’s reporter Nadeem Zia was subjected to a murderous attack in the suburban area of Manthar, Rahim Yar Khan district, Punjab. The attack occurred a day after he filed and broadcast a report exposing illegal LPG and gas cylinder refilling operations. Prior to the attack, the accused was issued death threats, and following the broadcast, their illegal filling station was sealed by authorities.
Threat Developments:
The President of the South Punjab Union of Journalists, Ghulam Hassan Mehr, condemned the attack and emphasized that “An attack on one is an attack on all,” calling for immediate action against the perpetrators. The union has demanded that the DPO Rahim Yar Khan, Irfan Ali Samo, take swift measures to investigate the attack and ensure justice. The incident highlights the heightened risks faced by journalists reporting on illegal operations and criminal enterprises in South Punjab.
Threat of Harm
Digital Journalist: Eisar Rana, Senior Journalist and Analyst, Eisar Rana Special (YouTube)
Threat Actor: Political Parties
Incident Summary:
On 16 December 2025, senior journalist and political analyst Eisar Rana from Lahore reported receiving threats from Jawad Ahmad, head of the Barabari Party, in response to Rana’s political commentary and analysis shared through his YouTube channel Eisar Rana Special. Speaking to Freedom Network, Eisar Rana stated that Jawad Ahmad used intimidating language and warned that he would “deal with him legally and through other means as well.” The threats were linked to Rana’s political views, which are often perceived as supportive of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. A video reviewed by the Freedom Network Punjab Coordinator reportedly shows Jawad Ahmad using threatening language against the journalist. Rana emphasized that political disagreement does not justify intimidation or threats against a journalist for expressing opinions.
Threat Developments:
The matter was raised before the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), where union leadership expressed serious concern and strongly condemned the threats. PFUJ General Secretary Qamar-uz-Zaman Bhatti informed the meeting that Eisar Rana had formally reported the threats to the union. PFUJ demanded that the Federal Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals take immediate notice of the case and ensure the journalist’s safety. Participants at the meeting termed the threats unacceptable and reflective of growing intolerance toward journalists expressing political opinions through digital media platforms.
Actual Legal Action (civil or criminal+specific law)
Journalist: Chaudhat Zafar Mahmood, Facebook Journalist
Threat Actor: State-actors
Incident Summary:
On 5 December 2025, an FIR was registered against Chaudhat Zafar Mahmood, an online journalist based in Sargodha, Punjab, over the uploading of a news report on social media allegedly targeting a nurse. The journalist stated that the FIR is fabricated and retaliatory, linked to his reporting on shortcomings and governance failures within the health sector. According to him, officials associated with Dr. Faisal Masood Teaching Hospital — including Medical Superintendent Dr. Muhammad Shehbaz, head clerk Imran Abbas, and Dr. Kashif Bhalli, currently serving as MS at Moazzam Bakhsh Hospital — were involved in orchestrating the complaint. Mahmood claimed he had never met the complainant nurse nor visited the teaching hospital, and had had no phone or physical contact with her, asserting that his location records could verify his claims. He maintained that his reporting on health sector reforms angered certain officials, leading to the legal action against him.
Threat Developments:
Chaudhat Zafar Mahmood stated that prior to the FIR, head clerk Imran Abbas had sent him a legal notice demanding Rs 30 million, which he did not respond to. He later learned of the FIR through the General Secretary of the Sargodha Press Club, raising concerns that an existing MoU between the media and police for journalist protection was being ignored. The Sargodha Press Club staged protests over the case, and the journalist claims to possess audio and video recordings related to the matter. He described the FIR as baseless and malicious, aimed at intimidating him into silence, and said it has damaged his reputation. Mahmood appealed for an impartial review of the case and stated his willingness to cooperate fully and provide any additional information required.
Threat to Murder
Journalist: Rifaquatullah Rizwal Tribal News Network, Syed Shah Raza Shah, Social Media Journalist, Host of “Jaj (Analysis)”
Threat Actor: Non-state actor
Incident Summary:
On 2 December 2025, Rifaquatullah Rizwal of Tribal News Network and Syed Shah Raza Shah, a social media journalist and host of the analytical programme “Jaj (Analysis)”, received serious life threats in Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The journalists, who regularly report and comment on law and order, human rights, and political developments in the province, were allegedly threatened by a banned militant outfit operating from Waziristan. The threats included warnings of being killed in a bomb attack, which the journalists believe were issued in retaliation for their critical reporting and analysis on sensitive governance and security-related issues.
Threat Developments:
The journalist remains under significant fear for personal safety. While specific protective measures or responses by authorities were not detailed, the incident underscores the continuing risk faced by media professionals reporting on militancy, security, and human rights issues in the region. The threats from a banned militant group, TTP, constituted a direct attempt to intimidate and silence critical reporting.
Assault Resulting in Injury
Journalist: Muhammad Rafiq Mughal, Correspondent, GNN (Shujaabad)
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 11 December 2025, Muhammad Rafiq Mughal, correspondent for GNN News channel in Shujaabad,Punjab, reported on the tragic death of a young girl following dog bite incidents in the area. Two days later, on 13 December 2025, acting on the orders of Assistant Commissioner Humeera Shah, Rafiq Mughal was allegedly forcibly picked up near Wego and subjected to seven hours of mental and physical torture. Individuals who accompanied or supported him at the scene were also reportedly threatened with serious consequences. The assault appears directly linked to his journalistic reporting on public health and safety issues in Shujaabad.
Threat Developments:
In response to the incident, the Shujaabad Press Club and journalists’ organizations across South Punjab strongly condemned the assault. A joint meeting of senior journalists—including Murtaza Bhatti, Akmal Ramay, Nadi Shah, Ali Imran Shah, Malik Wajahat Hussain, Rao Zahid Mahmood, Qaiser Shehzad Qureshi, Dr. Imran Malik, and Asghar Taheem—announced a boycott of press releases and journalistic cooperation across the tehsil until justice is served. The journalists demanded that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Secretary Lahore, Commissioner Multan, Deputy Commissioner Multan, DG PERA Farrukh Atiq (Lahore), CPO Multan, and RPO Multan take immediate notice of the incident and suspend the PERA Force personnel involved.
Assault Resulting in Injury
Journalist: Muhammad Ramzan, Freelance Journalist
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 24 November 2025, Muhammad Ramzan, a freelance journalist from Dera Ismail Khan, was reportedly summoned by Military Intelligence (MI) following his reporting on locally manufactured weapons in Darra Adam Khel, which he stated was requested by an Indian journalist. Upon appearing for questioning, Ramzan Isra was physically assaulted, warned to exercise caution in future reporting, and had his mobile phone confiscated, which remains in MI custody. The assault and confiscation of journalistic equipment appear directly linked to his professional work in covering sensitive security-related issues.
Threat Developments:
The incident has raised serious concerns over press freedom and the targeting of journalists reporting on security and weapons-related topics. MI’s actions—physical assault, threats, and confiscation of equipment—reflect coercive measures intended to intimidate and restrict the journalist from continuing his reporting. The journalist has highlighted the risks faced by freelance reporters covering sensitive areas without institutional protection.
Threat of Legal Action
Journalist: Syed Zeeshan Ali Shah, Reporter, Neu TV
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 21 November 2025, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Lahore Zone, issued a call-up notice to Syed Zeeshan Ali Shah in connection with an inquiry into alleged social media defamation, registered as Enquiry No. E-6283/2025. The notice, issued under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), required the journalist to appear before the NCCIA office in Lahore on 3 December 2025 to record his statement. The inquiry followed a complaint by Muhammad Hassan Muavia, related to content shared on social media, including YouTube.
Due to delayed delivery of the notice to his native village in Upper Dir, Zeeshan Ali Shah received it on 4 December 2025, after the scheduled date, and therefore could not present himself on time. Through legal counsel, he submitted a written response rejecting the allegations, asserting that the content was shared in good faith as part of professional reporting specifically covering the Blasphemy gang case in Islamabad High Court. He requested due process, fair treatment, and emphasized that he had not committed any act of defamation. As of the latest updates, the NCCIA has not responded, and the matter remains under review.
Threat Developments:
The call-up notice constitutes legal pressure linked directly to the journalist’s professional work. The notice warns of potential legal consequences for non-compliance, creating a chilling effect on Zeeshan Ali Shah’s reporting. The case demonstrates the misuse of cybercrime mechanisms to intimidate journalists covering sensitive legal or political issues.
Threat of Legal Action
Journalist: Bakht Muhammad, Reporter, BNN News
Threat Actor: Political Parties
Incident Summary:
On 28 December 2025, reporter Bakhta Muhmmad from BNN News in Mardan received a legal notice from PTI Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman following the broadcast of a report alleging tax defaults and unpaid liabilities by the senator’s family-owned cigarette businesses. The notice, issued via the National Cyber Crime Agency (NCCA), demanded Rs 10 million in damages and directed the journalist to appear before the authority on 31 December 2024. The notice explicitly warns of potential legal consequences for non-compliance, creating pressure on the journalist in connection with professional reporting.
Threat Developments:
The journalist has been placed under legal pressure due to reporting on financial and tax issues involving a high-profile political figure. The use of NCCA to deliver the notice adds a state-linked dimension to the legal threat, though the case originates from a private actor. The notice aims to intimidate the journalist and potentially curb future reporting on sensitive financial matters.
Threat of Legal Action
Journalist: Farnood Alam, Journalist, Analyst, and Columnist, Daily Jang
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 18 December 2025, Farnood Alam, Islamabad-based journalist, analyst, and columnist for Daily Jang, received a summons from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in connection with an inquiry into alleged defamation on social media, registered as Enquiry No. E-6577/2025. The inquiry followed a complaint by Allama Tahir ul Hassan regarding Facebook posts shared by Alam. The notice, issued under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code, directed Alam to appear in person at NCCIA Lahore on 31 December 2025 at 11:00 am to record his statement. The notice warned that failure to appear could attract action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The summons appears directly linked to Farnood Alam’s journalistic reporting and commentary, including television appearances on Dawn News’ “Zara Hat Kay” programme and columns addressing alleged blasphemy-linked cyber gangs, methods of entangling youth in blasphemy cases, and related human rights concerns. Farnood Alam reported that some of the individuals involved had previously threatened him with legal action in relation to his reporting. He appeared at the office as directed and has cooperated with the inquiry while reserving his legal rights.
Threat Developments:
The notice constitutes formal legal pressure directly linked to journalistic activity. While no FIR or arrest has occurred, the summons serves as a potential tool of intimidation, reflecting the risk of using legal instruments to suppress critical reporting on sensitive security and human rights issues. The case demonstrates how journalists covering controversial topics may be targeted through defamation complaints and state legal procedures.
Threat of Legal Action
Journalist: Mujahid Hussain, Reporter and Anchorperson, HUM News
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 18 December 2025, Mujahid Hussain, Islamabad-based reporter and anchorperson for HUM News, received three notices from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore regarding alleged defamation on social media platforms. Enquiry No. E-6282/2025 (06 Nov 2025): Complaint filed by Qaisar Ahmad Raja alleging defamation via Twitter. Hussain was directed to appear at NCCIA Lahore on 31 December 2025. Enquiry No. E-6396/2025 (17 Nov 2025): Complaint by Muhammad Hassan Muavia regarding content shared on Twitter and YouTube. Appearance was also scheduled for 31 December 2025. Enquiry No. E-657625 (16 Dec 2025): Complaint by Komal Ismail over derogatory content posted on social media, with appearance directed for 22 December 2025.
The notices were issued under Section 160 CrPC, warning that non-compliance could attract action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC 1860). No arrests or formal charges have been made, and the matters remain at the inquiry stage.
Hussain stated that the complaints are linked to the so-called Blasphemy Business Group (BBG), a network allegedly entrapping young people in fabricated blasphemy cases. He has aired three programmes highlighting this issue and submitted his responses through legal counsel instead of appearing in person.
Threat Developments:
The multiple notices constitute formal legal pressure on Hussain for his journalistic reporting. While there has been no arrest or FIR, the notices create a chilling effect on his work, particularly given the sensitive nature of his reporting on alleged misconduct by the BBG network.
Detention (without formal case)
Journalist: Azhar Tharaj, News Editor, Pakistan Matters (online news outlet)
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 6 December 2025, Azhar Tharaj, News Editor of Pakistan Matters, was allegedly detained by Punjab Police in Lahore and taken to an undisclosed location. The incident reportedly occurred on Jinnah Hospital Road, where police officers had stopped a group of young men. While recording a video, Azhar Tharaj questioned the police about the reason for stopping the youths. Following this, police officers allegedly took him into custody and removed him from the scene. According to available information, no FIR has been registered against the journalist, and authorities have not provided any official details regarding his whereabouts or wellbeing. The detention reportedly took place solely in response to his journalistic act of filming and questioning police conduct in a public place.
Threat Developments:
The journalist community strongly reacted to the incident, expressing concern that journalists are being increasingly targeted for performing their professional duties. Tharaj’s removal to an unknown location without any disclosed legal basis has raised serious concerns about press freedom and due process. Journalist organizations have demanded his immediate recovery and called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident. As of the latest information, police authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the detention or the journalist’s current status.
Detention (without formal case)
Journalist: Aqeedat Chishti, Producer and Correspondent, Soch Videos
Threat Actor: Other actors
Incident Summary:
On 4 December 2025, Aqeedat Chishti, a producer and correspondent with Soch Videos-Lahore, filed a formal complaint with the Pakistan Union of Journalists (PUJ) regarding intimidation and coercive conduct she faced while conducting a professional interview with Azhar Siddique, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan. The interview was related to Siddique’s own petition concerning the Nasir Bagh Parking Plaza, for which prior permission had been obtained and the scope clearly communicated. Approximately ten minutes into the interview, Siddique objected to a question drawn directly from his petition and asked for the recording to be stopped. After the camera was turned off, Siddique allegedly accused the journalist of having ulterior motives, demanded that recording devices remain off, pressured her to replay and delete the footage, and questioned her journalistic intent. Most critically, Aqeedat Chishti alleged that she and her companion were prevented from leaving the premises for a period of time, with Siddique standing between them and the exit and repeatedly pressuring them, creating an intimidating and coercive environment.
Threat Developments:
A statement by Ali Aftab, who accompanied the journalist, corroborates her account, including the allegation that Siddique explicitly stated he would not allow them to leave unless the video was deleted. Aqeedat Chishti stated that the incident left her feeling unsafe and undermined her ability to perform her professional duties independently and with dignity. She has requested formal acknowledgment and action by the PUJ to ensure accountability and to prevent similar intimidation of journalists carrying out legitimate reporting work, while reserving the right to pursue further steps for her safety and professional integrity.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Six television, five digital, and one print media journalists received threats during the December 2025.
Threat Actors:
In seven cases, state actors were believed to be involved directly or indirectly, while non-state and political actors were susoected in two cases each, and other actors in one case.
CAPTION: Journalists in tehsil Shujaabad in Multan district of Punjab province, raise slogans to protest the alleged torture of GNN News channel’s correspondent Muhammad Rafiq Mughal by PERA Force personnel, demanding accountability and immediate suspension of those responsible.
