Eight cases involving different threat categories against journalists and media practitioners were documented across Pakistan during August 2026. The documented incidents included threats to murder, threats of legal action, actual legal action, and attacks on journalists’ homes and family members.
Punjab province continues to record the highest number of incidents with five cases, followed by Islamabad Capital Territory with two cases, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded one case. The cases reflected continuing risks faced by journalists while performing their professional duties, particularly in relation to reporting on public affairs, security issues, political developments, and matters involving public officials and institutions.
These cases were categorized as follows:
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Threat to murder
Attack on home/property/assets of journalists
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
These incidents were documented through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a programme Freedom Network (FNPK) is managing since 2016 in collaboration with the country’s major press clubs, including Lahore, Multan, Quetta, Peshawar, Gilgit (Gilgit-Baltistan), and Muzaffarabad (Azad Jammu and Kashmir). The programme monitors and documents violations against the media, journalists, and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risk.
Threat to murder
Journalist: Talal Ishtiaq, Editor, Reporting, Khabrain Media Group, Lahore (Punjab)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 10 August 2026, journalist Talal Ishtiaq, Editor, Reporting at Khabrain Media Group, was “threatened with death threats” through phone calls while he was performing his professional duties at the Daily Khabrain office in Civil Lines, Lahore.
According to the complaint the journalist submitted with the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Civil Lines, the incident occurred at around 3:42pm during his duty hours. He was present at the office with colleagues when he received the “threatening phone call.”
According to Talal Ishtiaq, after he asked the caller about the purpose of the call, the individual allegedly issued death threats, used abusive language, and warned him of severe consequences. Talal Ishtiaq disconnected the call and reported the incident to the police helpline 15 at approximately 3:47pm. Police officials subsequently arrived at the Daily Khabrain office.
The journalist further reported receiving another phone call following the first call. He requested the police to take immediate legal action and register a formal case concerning the threats.
Threat Developments:
The incident subjected Talal Ishtiaq to direct threats to his life while he was engaged in his professional duties as a journalist. The alleged death threats, abusive language and warning of severe consequences constitute a serious threat to the journalist’s personal safety and may have a chilling effect on his ability to perform his journalistic responsibilities.
The incident was also reportedly the second threatening incident involving the same journalist, indicating a possible pattern of intimidation. The reported use of telephone calls to issue death threats highlights the vulnerability of journalists to direct and targeted intimidation, particularly while working from their media offices.
Threat to murder
Journalist: Imtinan Shahid, Executive Editor, Khabrein Media Group, Lahore (Punjab)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 9 August 2026, journalist Imtinan Shahid, Executive Editor at Khabrein Media Group, Lahore, was subjected to death threats, threats against his family, and threats to bomb the newspaper’s offices following a social media announcement made by him.
According to a written complaint submitted by Razaq Shaheen, Group General Manager of Daily Khabrein, with the Station House Officer (SHO), Civil Lines Police Station, Lahore, the media organization’s management had already been targeted through a defamatory and threatening campaign circulated on social media. The complaint named several individuals in connection with the online posts, while the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had also been approached regarding the online activity.
The situation escalated on the night of August 9th, after Imtinan Shahid made a social media announcement. According to the complaint, two calls were received from foreign numbers at approximately 10:25pm and 10:28pm respectively. During the first call, the unidentified caller allegedly warned Shahid to stay away from Dr. Sabil Ikram, Chief Executive of Khabrein Media Group, and threatened him and his family.
During the second call, the caller reportedly issued further threats in Urdu and Punjabi languages, warning that Shahid would be “harmed” and that the newspaper’s office would be “bombed if he did not stay away from Dr. Sabil.” The complaint stated that the caller continued issuing explicit threats to “kill Shahid, target his family and attack the newspaper’s offices.”
The complainant stated that audio recordings of the threatening calls had been recorded on his mobile phone as evidence and requested legal action against the caller.
Threat Developments:
The incident subjected Imtinan Shahid and his family to direct threats to their lives, while also extending the threat to the Khabrein Media Group’s office premises. The alleged threats of killing, family targeting and bombing of the newspaper’s office represent a serious escalation in intimidation against a journalist and media organization.
The incident followed an alleged online defamatory and threatening campaign against the media group’s management, indicating a wider pattern of harassment involving both digital platforms and direct telephone threats. The reported threats against the journalist’s family and workplace further increased the potential impact on his personal safety and ability to perform his professional responsibilities.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Inam Ullah, Correspondent, Urdu Point, Vehari (Punjab)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 22 August 2026, journalist Inam Ullah, acorrespondent for UrduPoint, was allegedly assaulted and threatened by armed individuals at his residence in Vehari district in Punjab province, following his reporting and investigation into an alleged incident involving police officials.
According to available information, the journalist had been investigating and reporting allegations concerning abduction and torture of a laborer by police officials, as well as allegations of alleged police corruption. Following his reporting, armed individuals allegedly reached his residence and subjected him to physical assault and threats.
Residents reportedly intervened during the incident, after which the attackers fled while allegedly resorting to aerial firing. The journalist had reportedly faced earlier harassment on 30 June 2026 in connection with his reporting on alleged police corruption.
A complaint/FIR was reportedly lodged concerning the incident; however, the journalist community expressed concern that effective action had not been taken against those responsible.
Threat Developments:
The incident subjected Inam Ullah to physical assault, armed intimidation and threats in connection with his journalistic work. The reported attack at his residence demonstrates how threats against journalists can extend beyond their workplaces to their homes and families.
The incident also raises concerns regarding the safety of journalists investigating allegations of misconduct involving law enforcement officials. The reported earlier harassment and subsequent armed attacks may contribute to fear and self-censorship among journalists reporting on sensitive matters involving powerful public institutions.
Attack on home/property/assets of journalists
Journalist: Lal Wazir, Reporter, Freelancer, South Waziristan (Wana), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 26 August 2026, the home of tribal journalist Lal Wazirin Kaza Panga village in Azam Warsak area in Lower South Waziristan, was allegedly raided by more than 20-armed men believed to be militants.
The armed men, according to the journalist, entered and surrounded his residence and threatened his family members, asking about Lal Wazir’s whereabouts. The men allegedly warned that if the journalist did not return, they would take one of his family members as hostage or hold them as a guarantee to force his return.
The incident directly targeted the journalist’s residence and family and was reportedly carried out by a large group of armed individuals. The available account does not indicate whether property was damaged or whether the journalist’s family members were physically harmed during the incident.
Threat Developments:
The raid represented a serious security threat to Lal Wazir and his family, with armed individuals allegedly using his family as leverage to force the journalist to return home. The threat to take a family member hostage significantly escalated the intimidation and placed the journalist’s relatives at direct risk.
The incident highlights the heightened vulnerability of journalists working in conflict-affected areas, where threats can extend beyond journalists themselves to their homes and family members.
Threat to murder
Journalist: Saghir Hussain Shah, Correspondent, GTV, Taunsa Sharif (Punjab province)
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 9 August 2026, journalist Saghir Hussain Shah, a correspondent for GTV and member of the Taunsa Sharif Press Club, was allegedly threatened with death while performing his professional duties at the Trauma Centre, Taunsa Hospital, Punjab.
Shah visited the hospital’s emergency department to work on a story concerning a person who had been injured in a fight. While he was recording video of the injured person for his news report, some individuals allegedly associated with the opposing party arrived at the hospital.
The individuals reportedly attempted to prevent Shah from carrying out his journalistic duties, verbally abused him, pushed and manhandled him, and threatened to kill him if he broadcast the report.
Following the incident, DSP Taunsa along with the president and general secretary of the Taunsa Sharif Press Club, reached the spot. The alleged perpetrator of the crime was arrested on the sport.
Threat Developments:
The incident subjected Saghir Hussain Shah to direct threats to his life, physical intimidation and interference with his journalistic work. The alleged threat to kill him if he broadcast the report represents a serious attempt to intimidate a journalist and prevent the publication of news.
The reported physical aggression, including pushing and manhandling, alongside verbal abuse and death threats, increased the seriousness of the incident. The reported arrest of the alleged perpetrator represents an immediate law-enforcement response; however, the incident highlights continuing concerns regarding violence and intimidation faced by journalists while performing their professional duties in Taunsa Sharif.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Azaz Syed, Senior Reporter / Anchorperson, Talk SHOCK, Islamabad
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 3 August 2026, senior journalist and anchor person Azaz Syed, who hosts his own talk show Talk SHOCK, Islamabad, was served two notices by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) within two days, raising concerns regarding the short appearance deadlines and the lack of clearly specified allegations.
According to Syed, the first notice was dated 2 August 2026 and was received by him through WhatsApp on the same night. The notice directed him to appear before the NCCIA on 3 August, at a time when he was returning from Muzaffarabad after covering the AJK elections. Syed requested additional time to consult his lawyer.
A second notice was issued on 3 August, requiring him to appear before the agency on 4 August 2026. Syed stated that neither notice clearly identified the specific allegations against him or the particular content that allegedly constituted a cybercrime offence.
Despite concerns over the short notice and lack of details, Syed appeared before the NCCIA on 4 August with a written response prepared by his lawyer. The NCCIA investigator, however, was not present. Syed subsequently sought clarification regarding the allegations against him.
The precise basis of the inquiry has not been publicly established. Available reports do not identify a specific social-media post, programme, report or statement by Syed that allegedly constituted the offence. A senior journalist, Asad Malik, subsequently stated in a vlog that the NCCIA action was reportedly linked to Syed’s earlier reporting concerning a Rs48 billion CDA contract and allegations involving individuals connected to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. However, the alleged political motivation behind the NCCIA action was not independently established.
Threat Developments:
The issuance of two NCCIA notices within two consecutive days, coupled with the short appearance deadlines and the reported absence of clearly specified allegations, subjected Azaz Syed to formal state investigative proceedings in connection with his journalistic activities.
While an NCCIA notice and inquiry do not establish criminal liability or guilt, the lack of publicly disclosed allegations has raised concerns regarding due process, transparency and the potential use of cybercrime investigations against journalists.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Danish Irshad, Reporter / Columnist, Kashmir Times, Islamabad
Threat Actor: State-Actors
Incident Summary:
On 29 July 2026, Islamabad-based Kashmiri journalist and researcher Danish Irshad, a reporter and columnist for Kashmir Times, was placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014, according to an AJK Home Department notification.
The notification, identified as Home/HS-FS-4(8)/P-II/2026, invoked Section 16(1) of the AJK Anti-Terrorism Act and listed Irshad among individuals allegedly associated with the banned “Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC).”
The notification did not specify any act, offence or activity personally attributed to Danish Irshad. It also did not identify a particular journalistic report, article, interview, or social media post as the basis for his inclusion.
Irshad reportedly learned of his inclusion through social media on 18 August 2026 and subsequently confirmed the notification through a source in the AJK Home Department. He stated that the order had not been formally served on him.
Threat Developments:
The Fourth Schedule designation subjected Danish Irshad to an administrative counter-terrorism measure carrying potential restrictions and enhanced monitoring, despite the notification reportedly not specifying an individual act or offence attributed to him.
Placement on the Fourth Schedule is an administrative designation and does not constitute a criminal conviction. However, the measure can have significant consequences for a journalist’s professional and personal activities. The absence of clearly stated individual allegations raises concerns regarding transparency, due process and the potential impact of counter-terrorism measures on journalistic activity.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai, Senior Reporter, Geo News, Islamabad
Threat Actor: State-Actors
Incident Summary:
On 26 August 2026, senior Geo News channel reporter Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai was served a legal notice seeking Rs200 million in damages by Federal Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Naqvi over remarks made during live coverage of the PIMS fire tragedy in Islamabad.
According to a four-page legal notice issued by AKU Law, Yousafzai was accused of making “false and defamatory allegations” and of “attributing responsibility for the incident to Naqvi” before completion of an official inquiry.
The notice referred to Yousafzai’s comments questioning the response of the Interior Ministry, Islamabad administration, PIMS management, CDA and police to the tragedy. Naqvi’s legal representatives reportedly argued that the remarks were made without adequate verification and without seeking their client’s position.
Naqvi demanded removal of the allegedly defamatory content, a public retraction, and unconditional apology, in addition to Rs200 million in damages. Yousafzai was given 15 days (about 2 weeks) to comply, failing which further legal proceedings could be initiated.
Threat Developments:
The legal notice placed Ayaz Yousafzai under the threat of potential civil legal proceedings and a substantial financial claim in response to comments made during journalistic coverage of a major public incident.
While the notice represents a legal claim and does not establish that Yousafzai committed defamation, the demand for Rs200 million in damages, coupled with the threat of further proceedings if the demands are not met, may create significant legal and financial pressure on a journalist.
The case highlights the continuing tension between press freedom, journalistic accountability, and the right of journalists to scrutinize public officials and state institutions, particularly while reporting on major public tragedies. The allegations contained in the legal notice remain subject to the applicable legal process and have not been established as findings of fact by a court.
Threats, Attacks, and Legal Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Four print, two television, one digital and one freelance media professional were subjected to threats, attacks or legal action during August 2026.
Threat Actors:
In two cases, state actors were involved, while six cases involved non-state actors.
