FN Threat Data Analysis- April 2026
Eight cases of different threat categories were recorded against journalists across Pakistan during April 2026, including attempt to murder, threat of legal action, assault resulting in injury, and assault without injury and other. Punjab province recorded the highest number of threats against journalists – a total of six out of eight cases.
These cases were categorized as follow:
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Assault resulting in injury
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Attempt to murder (survived assassination attempt)
Kidnapping (by known/unknown source)
These incidents were reported through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network; a program FN is managing since 2016. In collaboration with the six largest press clubs — Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 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: Abdul Sattar Baloch, Editor – Daily Beithak, Multan (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 31 January 2026, Daily Beithak Multan published a news report regarding the cancellation of a land transfer order. Due to an error, the name of the mall was incorrectly reported. The newspaper issued clarifications on 6 February 2026 and subsequent corrections to address the mistake.
Despite these corrective measures, on 26 March 2026, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) summoned the editorial team. The owner of the land filed a complaint, leading to legal proceedings against the publication. The editor stated that the error was unintentional and promptly corrected.
Threat Developments:
It is alleged that the NCCIA continued to exert pressure on the editorial team. The case raises concerns regarding disproportionate legal responses to editorial errors and the potential chilling effect on journalistic practices.
Assault without injury(manhandling etc.)
Journalist: Amir Chand Khan, Reporter – Hamara Multan, Multan (Punjab)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 19 April 2026, journalist Amir Chand Khanalong with his cameraman were covering activities at the Multan cattle market ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. During the assignment, he documented public complaints regarding overcharging during the vaccination process.
While attempting to obtain the viewpoint of the contractors, the media team was allegedly subjected to harassment, threats, and physical manhandling. The individuals involved reportedly pushed the journalists and attempted to damage their camera equipment.
Threat Developments:
The incident was strongly condemned by the Multan Press Club, which termed it an attack on press freedom. Journalist representatives called for immediate legal action and emphasized the growing influence of coercive contractor groups. A complaint was submitted to the authorities; however, no significant response has been reported so far.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist: Malik Shahid Awan, Correspondent – Daily Beithak, Multan (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State actors
Incident Summary:
On 26 April 2026, journalist Malik Shahid Awan, a social media influencer and correspondent for Daily Beithak, Multan, in Dera Ghazi Khan district of Punjab province, faced legal action after reporting on his platform that a robbery incident had allegedly occurred involving a police officer identified as “KB.” The report was based on information received by the journalist during crime reporting activities.
Subsequently, according to the concerned police officer and district police authorities, the reported information was declared inaccurate and contrary to the actual facts of the case. Following the circulation of the report, legal action was initiated and the journalist was reportedly arrested. An FIR related to extortion had also reportedly been registered against the owner of Imrani Motors in connection with the matter.
Malik Shahid Awan later issued a public clarification and apology, stating that the report had been aired without complete verification and that errors could occur in crime reporting when information is published prematurely. He maintained that his intention was never to defame the police department or any individual and withdrew the statements and impressions created by the report after the facts became clear. He further questioned the basis of the allegations against him and called for CCTV footage from the relevant location to be reviewed.
Threat Developments:
The case has raised concerns within the journalist community regarding the proportionality of legal action following reporting errors. Questions have been raised about whether corrective measures and apologies should mitigate punitive responses.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist: Fakhar ur Rehman – Independent digital media journalist,Islamabad
Threat Actor: State actors
Incident Summary:
On 24 April 2026, journalist Fakhar-ur-Rehman was arrested in Islamabad by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) following a criminal complaint related to social media posts. The FIR, dated 20 April 2026 and registered by NCCIA Sub-Inspector Shehroz Rana on behalf of the state, named multiple individuals, including Fakhar-ur-Rehman, alleging the dissemination of “fake, false, misleading, and misinterpreted information” intended to create hatred against government functionaries.
The case was registered under Sections 20 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The FIR also included references to social media posts on X (formerly Twitter), which were later reported as no longer accessible.
According to statements attributed to journalist representatives, Fakhar-ur-Rehman had received prior notices from NCCIA but was unable to appear on scheduled dates due to logistical and procedural issues. He reportedly stated that he had deleted the posts in question and issued an apology; however, his residence was subsequently raided, and he was arrested.
On 25 April 2026, NCCIA sought physical remand of the journalist, arguing that he had admitted to owning the posts but had not provided access to his mobile phone for further examination. The court rejected the request for physical remand and sent him to judicial remand in Adiala Jail, Islamabad.
Threat Developments:
The case appears within a highly polarized narrative context, with strong allegations that require independent verification. It raises concerns about the boundaries between national security enforcement and freedom of expression, as well as the potential use of legal mechanisms to regulate or restrict online journalistic content.
Attempt to murder (survived assassination attempt)
Journalist: Abdul Ghafar, Chief Reporter – Daily BBC News, Vehari (Punjab)
Threat Actor: Criminal Gang
Incident Summary:
On 26 April 2026, journalist Abdul Ghafar, Chief Reporter of a local “Daily BBC News” and a member of Vehari Press Club, was allegedly subjected to a violent attack and attempted murder at his residence in Vehari district of Punjab province. According to the journalist, at around 5:50pm, unidentified assailants forcibly entered his home after pushing past his wife when she opened the gate.
The attackers allegedly assaulted Abdul Ghafar inside the house and later dragged him outside, where they continued to beat him with pistol butts. Believing him to be dead, the assailants fled the scene. The incident was reportedly captured on CCTV cameras installed at the residence.
Abdul Ghafar stated that he regularly publishes reports concerning local administration and alleged that the attackers appeared to be hired assassins who intended to kill him. Following the incident, he submitted an application at Daniwal Police Station seeking registration of an FIR. However, according to the journalist, the police registered the case under minor sections instead of including more serious charges related to attempted murder and unlawful entry. His medical report was still awaited at the time of reporting.
The journalist further alleged that one of the attackers, referred to as “Butt,” was heard saying, “He is dead, let’s run,” during the assault. He claimed that the suspects were involved in contract-based violent activities and demanded their immediate arrest.
Threat Developments:
The incident was strongly condemned by the Vehari Union of Journalists. Mubashir Mirza, Secretary of the union, stated that attacks against journalists in Vehari had become increasingly frequent and expressed concern over the lack of protection for media professionals performing their duties. The union urged the District Police Officer (DPO) Vehari to take immediate notice of the case, ensure proper investigation, and provide justice and protection to journalists.
Kidnapping (by known/unknown source)
Journalist: Names withheld on the request of journalist
Threat Actor: Unknown
Incident Summary:
On 22 April 2026, a family member of journalist was allegedly abducted by unidentified individuals and released after approximately 36 hours, according to details contained in a First Information Report (FIR) registered on the complaint of a relative.
According to the FIR, the victim was abducted while on the way to pick up children from school. According to the source the captors warned the victim to convey a message instructing the journalist not to speak publicly against a senior government official and cricket administrator.
The journalist had previously faced professional restrictions related to sports coverage and had publicly criticized the management and policies of cricket authorities. The journalist further stated that the incident appeared linked to his critical commentary and journalistic work.
Threat Developments:
The case reflects a pattern of indirect intimidation, where family members are targeted to pressure journalists. It raises serious concerns regarding safety, retaliation, and the use of coercive tactics to silence critical reporting.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Bakht Muhammad, Correspondent – Freelance Journalist, Mardan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Threat Actor: Political Party
Incident Summary:
On 20 April 2026, journalist Bakht Muhammad, affiliated with ABN News in Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, published a report exposing alleged ghost employees in government departments. The report highlighted claims that individuals linked to elected representatives were receiving salaries without attending offices.
Following the publication, the journalist reportedly received threatening phone calls from individuals indirectly mentioned in the report. The callers demanded clarification, evidence, and disclosure of sources, creating pressure on the journalist in response to his investigative reporting.
Threat Developments:
The incident reflects the risks associated with reporting on corruption and governance issues at the local level. The use of intimidation to seek disclosure of sources raises concerns regarding the protection of journalistic confidentiality and freedom of expression.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalist: Shakeel Ahmad, Journalist – Multan (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 3 March 2026, journalist Shakeel Ahmad was subjected to threats, physical assault, attempted abduction, and unlawful confinement in Multan district of Punjab province. The incident occurred when he visited a local tehsil office in connection with his journalistic work.
During the visit, he encountered an influential individual who allegedly verbally abused and threatened him over his reporting. Subsequently, the accused and his associates attempted to forcibly abduct the journalist by pushing him into a vehicle. Upon resistance, he was physically assaulted, his mobile phones were confiscated, and he was taken to a private office nearby where he was unlawfully detained.
The accused reportedly misrepresented the situation to police authorities, resulting in delayed intervention. The journalist was eventually released following the arrival of fellow journalists and representatives from the local press club. He sustained physical injuries and sought medical documentation. An FIR was registered after a delay of 15 days, while the accused have yet to be arrested in connection with this case.
Threat Developments:
The incident drew strong condemnation from the journalist community, including the Multan Press Club. Concerns were raised regarding police inaction, misuse of influence, and impunity. The case highlights systemic challenges in ensuring accountability and protection for journalists, particularly in regional areas.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Four digital, three Print and one other media journalists received threats during April 2026.
Threat Actors:
In eight cases, state actors were believed involved, while in one case each involved a political party, criminal actors, non-state actors, and unknown perpetrators.
Caption: Journalist Fakhar-ur-Rehman during his professional engagement in Islamabad amid legal proceedings related to his social media reporting case.
