In October 2025, journalists faced a spectrum of 10 different threats, including five legal cases, threats to murder, and others. In addition, a press club property was damaged, highlighting continued pressure on media and growing risks for independent journalism in Pakistan.
These cases were categorised as follow:        
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Assault resulting in injury
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Threat to murder
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 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.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Haseeb Awan, Reporter, Aik News
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 14 October 2024, Haseeb Awan, reporter and member of the Multan Press Club, faced threats of legal action after repeatedly publishing investigative reports on alleged corruption and alleged electricity theft by MEPCO officials and employees. MEPCO filed an FIR against him, and police subsequently attempted to arrest him. Haseeb Awan obtained interim bail and filed an application with the District and Sessions Court, pleading that the charges were “retaliatory for performing his journalistic duties.” Despite being on bail, police reportedly continued attempts to apprehend him.
Threat Developments:
Journalist associations, including the Court Reporters Association, condemned the targeting of Awan, emphasizing that journalism should not be criminalized. The case remains a prominent example of state-linked retaliation against investigative reporting.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Javed MB Baloch, Admin – Gwadar Tawar
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 10 October 2025, Javed MB Baloch, administrator of Gwadar Tawar, Balochistan received a notice from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requested X platform to suspend his account, alleging violations of Pakistani law while posting on the platform. Baloch’s posts highlighted issues related to missing persons in Balochistan and support for Baloch rights organizations. After review, X found “no violation” and the account remained active. The action is considered a digital threat aimed at suppressing reporting on sensitive socio-political issues in Balochistan.
Threat Developments:
The case exemplifies attempts by state authorities to control online reporting and intimidate journalists covering politically sensitive topics. Baloch has continued his reporting with protective measures.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalists: Farhan Malik, Syed Mumtaz Alam, Osama Altaf, Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi, Syed Kazim Rizvi, Fareed Dulari– Raftaar TV
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 19 September 2025, an FIR was registered in Hub, Balochistan, against journalists associated with the Raftaar TV channel for airing a program alleging misconduct by Provincial Minister Mir Ali Hassan Zehri, including land mafia involvement. The FIR, filed under PECA, claimed the program damaged the minister’s reputation. The journalists denied all allegations, emphasizing that the reporting followed ethical, legal, and journalistic standards. Protective bail was obtained, and the journalists planned to contest the FIR.
Threat Developments:
Press freedom advocates warned that the FIR represented misuse of PECA to intimidate journalists conducting investigative reporting. The case highlighted challenges for media professionals exposing political malpractices in Balochistan.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalists: Waseem Shah, Parvez Khokhar, Iqrar Gull Fras, Hidayatullah – Freelance Journalists
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 6 October 2025, Waseem Shah, president of the Awami Press Club, along with three other digital journalists, faced an FIR under PECA sections 500, 501, and 20 in Kashmore, Sindh province, for posting news stories on Facebook. The registered case targeted their professional reporting, representing a direct legal threat to digital journalists operating in the region.
Threat Developments:
Journalist advocacy groups raised concerns over the arbitrary use of PECA against independent reporters, warning that such measures create chilling effects on online journalism in Sindh.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Hafiz Muhammad Qasiar, Reporter – Channel 5
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 20 October 2025, Hafiz Muhammad Qasiar, reporter at Channel 5, faced a FIR registered under PECA by Sakhan Police in Karachi’s Malir district. The complaint stemmed from a news story he aired exposing the illegal use of banned milk-boosting injections. The police initiated the case without valid grounds, representing a direct legal threat for performing professional journalistic duties.
Threat Developments:
Legal support was offered to Muhammad Qasiar, though his family had not yet responded. Press freedom groups highlighted the misuse of PECA for targeting investigative reporting.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Ghulam Haider Mangreo, Editor-in-Chief – Daily Voice of Baj Pagara
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 13 October 2025, Ghulam Haider Mangreo, editor of Daily Voice of Baj Pagara and member of the Rahim Yar Khan Press Club, was arrested following the publication of a report on recent riots in the city. The arrest followed a complaint by Dr. Mazhar Leghari and his business partner, alleging Mangreo had incited violence. While the Press Club intervened and Mangreo was released after discussions with the district police officer, the case against him remains unresolved. Press club leadership emphasized that journalism was not a crime and that they should not face retaliatory actions for reporting news.
Threat Developments:
The incident drew widespread condemnation from the journalist community. Discussions with higher police officials aimed to ensure the case is dropped.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Khawaja Kashif Mir, Editor – State Views Media Group
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 26 September 2025, Khawaja Kashif Mir, senior journalist and editor, alleged that authorities in Azad Jammu & Kashmir  launched punitive measures against him for coverage of the JAAC protest movement. Actions included summons from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, airport stop-listing, banking restrictions, and surveillance. The measures were seen as part of a “systematic state-led campaign” to intimidate independent reporting.
Threat Developments:
Kashif Mir formally addressed the National Press Club, Islamabad, requesting protection of his journalistic independence and financial freedom.
Threat to murder
Journalist: Sher Ali Khalti, Staff Reporter – The News
Threat Actor: Non-State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 20 October 2025, Sher Ali Khalti staff reporter of The News International, Lahore, received death threats via phone from an unknown caller, allegedly linked to banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The caller threatened to kill Khalti, his wife, and children if he “continued reporting on TTP activities in South Punjab.” The caller claimed “having knowledge of their residence and schools where his children are taking education.” Police initially refused to register application citing limited capacity but lodged an FIR several days later after the journalist approached seniro officials.
Threat Developments:
The delayed response illustrates gaps in protective mechanisms for journalists threatened by extremist groups. Press freedom advocates have called for urgent security measures for Khalti and his family.
Detention (based on suspicion/without formal case)
Journalist: Hasnain Akhlaq, Special Correspondent – Seven News
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 30 October 2025, Hasnain Akhlaq, Special Correspondentwith Seven News, Lahore, was unlawfully detained for three hours at Shad Bagh Police Station, Lahore, after covering alleged illegal commercial plaza construction involving LDA officials. Police allegedly threatened him at gunpoint and hinted at filing a PECA case for his reporting.
Threat Developments:
Hasnain Akhlas demanded disciplinary action against the officers involved. Media unions highlighted that PECA cases fall under FIA jurisdiction, and retaliatory detention against journalists represents a serious press freedom violation.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalist: Javeria Nazir, Bureau Chief – Neo News
Threat Actor: Unknown group
Incident Summary:
On 22 October 2025, Javeria Nazir, Bureau Chief of Neo News and General Secretary of the Women Journalists Association, faced an armed attack at her residence in Faisalabad after airing a report exposing local drug traffickers. The assailants opened fire, injuring her brother and spreading panic in the neighbourhood. Police registered an FIR against unidentified suspects, though Nazir stated that local authorities had previously ignored her reports on criminal elements in the city. She emphasized that the attack was a direct retaliation for fulfilling her journalistic responsibilities.
Threat Developments:
The Faisalabad Press Club, along with journalist associations, condemned the attack and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible. Media advocacy groups highlighted the attack as a serious threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists reporting on organized crime.
Assault resulting in injury
Media Institution: National Press Club Islamabad
Threat Actor: State actor
Incident Summary:
On 2 October 2025, Islamabad Police stormed the National Press Club, forcibly entering its compound while chasing Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) protesters who gathered outside the club to air support for the movemnet in Azad Jammu and Kashmir for civil rights. Officers vandalized property and assaulted journalists and staff, including Rukhsar Raja, Feteh Ali, and NPC employees Rashad Malik, Atiq, and Qadeer. Immediate protests followed, including a sit-in and black flag-hoisting.
Threat Developments:
Although the State Minister for Interior issued an apology, no inquiry or accountability measures had been reported as of 29 October.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Four print media, four television media, one digital, and a freelancer and property of National Press Club, Islamabad, received threats during October 2025.
Threat Actors:
In nine cases, state authorities were believed to be involved directly or indirectly, while non-state actors were implicated in one case and unknown actors in as many case.

Caption: Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists president Afzal Butt addresses a protest meeting on the premises of National Press Club, Islamabad, to condemn police raid on the club while chasing protestors.