FN Threat Data Analysis – December 2024
The Freedom Network (FN) documented nine different cases of threats against journalists during December 2024, categorized as follows:
Digital Threats
Assault without Injury (Manhandling etc.)
Actual Legal Action (Civil or Criminal, specifying the relevant laws)
These incidents were reported through the Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program managed by FN since 2016. In collaboration with the six largest press clubs in Pakistan Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Islamabad, and Peshawar — the program monitors and documents violations against media practitioners while providing essential support to journalists at risk.
Digital Threat
Journalist: Tahir Naseer, Reporter for Dawn News
Date & Location: December 26, 2024, Rawalpindi
Threat Actors: Others
Incident Summary:
Tahir Naseer, Rawalpindi-based Dawn News channel reporter who also runs YouTube channel Watch Times, faced significant threats following investigative reports exposing alleged financial corruption by a private company. His reports, aired in November and December 2024, revealed the company’s alleged fraudulent activities, leading to threatening phone calls and the filing of false cases against him.
Threat Developments:
Naseer sought legal recourse through the District and Sessions Court, which directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Cell to investigate the case. Following a petition by Naseer’s lawyer, Mian Ahmed Khan, the court was informed of the alleged involvement of Mag Venture CEO Sultan and Rana Fayaz in digital terrorism, including harassment through leaked sensitive data and tampering with police records.
The FIA Cyber Crime Cell confirmed that NADRA officials were implicated in the data leak. On December 24, the FIA registered an FIR against Sultan and Fayaz under charges of data theft, tampering with police records, and harassment.
Actual Legal Action (Civil or Criminal)
Journalists: Harmeet Singh (Anchorperson, Such News), Rizwan Ahmed Khan (Reporter, Express News), Salman Durrani (Anchor, Azaad Siasat), Hussain Rafique (Anchor, Naya Pakistan Digital TV), Asif Basheer Chaudhry (Reporter, Geo TV), Abdul Qadir (Reporter, ARY News), Ahmad Noorani
Date & Location: December 12, 2024, Islamabad
Incident Summary:
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) initiated legal proceedings against 150 individuals, including journalists, vloggers, and social media activists, for allegedly promoting a false narrative against state institutions, specifically targeting security agencies. The allegations followed the November 26 crackdown on PTI supporters in Islamabad.
Journalists, including Harmeet Singh, were charged under Sections 9, 10, 11, and 24 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. The case against Singh was filed by Anees Ur Rehman, Technical Assistant at the Cyber Crime Reporting Center Islamabad. The FIR accused Singh of running a “misleading, concocted, and baseless campaign” via his Twitter handle @HarmeetSinghPk, allegedly aimed at maligning state institutions.
Post-Incident Developments:
On December 15, an Islamabad Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) barred the FIA from arresting the anchor. Singh, represented by his counsel Beena Shahid, was granted bail against a surety bond of Rs. 20,000, with the court seeking a response from the FIA by the end of December.
Freedom Network, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) condemned the legal actions.
Assault Without Injury (Manhandling)
Journalist: Saeed Ali Achakzai, Reporter for Samaa News
Date & Location: December 27, 2024, Chaman, Balochistan
Incident Summary:
Saeed Ali Achakzai, a reporter for Samaa News channel and a member of the Chaman Press Club, was attacked by drug peddlers while covering drug activities in Chaman twon near border with Afghanistan, Balochistan. The attack occurred unexpectedly as Saeed was performing his professional duties. Bystanders intervened promptly, ensuring the journalist’s safety, and brought the situation under control.
Post-Incident Developments:
Balochistan Government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that one of the accused attackers had been arrested, with efforts underway to apprehend others involved in the incident.
Threat Actors:
Threat actors responsible for these incidents include:
State Actors
Criminal Gangs
Others
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment
During December 2024, threats targeted nine TV journalists, across various regions. This data illustrates the diverse challenges faced by media professionals and underscores the pressing need for safeguards to protect press freedom.
Nine Threat Cases Reported In December 2024
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