Five cases involving different threat categories against journalists and media practitioners were documented across Pakistan during October 2026. The documented incidents included threats of harm, physical assault, threats of legal action, and actual legal proceedings against journalists in connection with their professional work.
The cases were reported in Quetta, Karachi, Landi Kotal and other areas of Pakistan. The incidents reflected continuing risks faced by journalists while performing their professional duties, including reporting on public affairs, investigating matters involving public officials and institutions, and exercising their right to freedom of expression.
These incidents were documented through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program Freedom Network (FNPK) has been 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 program monitors and documents violations against the media, journalists, and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risk.
These cases were categorised as follows:
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Atiya Akram, Reporter, ARY News, Quetta; Aminullah Mengal, Cameraman, ARY News
Threat Actor: Non-State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 20 October 2026, ARY News journalist Atiya Akram and her husband, Aminullah Mengal, a cameraman associated with the same news organisation, were allegedly harassed, verbally abused and threatened by four unidentified men near GPO Chowk in Quetta. According to the FIR, the incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. while the couple was travelling with their family in a white Suzuki Mehran. The four men allegedly misbehaved with them and issued threats.
Following the incident, Civil Lines Police Station registered FIR No. 288/26 under Sections 504, 506-B, 50,9 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The suspects were listed as unidentified in the FIR, and further investigation was underway.
Threat Developments:
The Balochistan Union of Journalists condemned the incident and demanded the identification and arrest of those responsible. The union also called for measures to ensure the safety of the journalist and her husband.
Assault without injury (manhandlingng, etc.)
Journalist: Kashif Hashmi, Senior Journalist and former President, Crime Reporters Association, Karachi
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 14 October 2026, senior journalist and former Crime Reporters Association (CRA) president Kashif Hashmi allegedly faced physical assault, verbal abuse, and mistreatment by police personnel at Nazimabad Police Station in Karachi while performing his professional duties. According to the CRA, Hashmi was present at the police station in connection with his reporting when personnel from District Central Police and the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Crime Investigation Agency allegedly assaulted him and damaged his mobile phone.
Threat Developments:
Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho took notice of the incident and ordered a detailed inquiry, directing authorities to identify the police personnel allegedly involved and initiate legal and departmental action against those found responsible.
SSP District Central, Dr Muhammad Imran Khan, also ordered an inquiry. On 15 October 2026, police announced that a suspect identified as Ali, son of Muhammad Samad, had been taken into custody. Further proceedings were to be conducted in accordance with the law.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Aman Ali Shinwari, President, District Press Club Khyber, Landi Kotal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 25 October 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., masked personnel allegedly entered the District Press Club Khyber in Landi Kotal, Khyber District, without prior notice or permission and searched its hall and several rooms, according to a press release issued by the press club.
President Aman Ali Shinwari and other local journalists expressed serious concern over the incident, describing it as an intrusion into an independent journalistic institution and an act that created fear and insecurity among the journalist community. They stated that the presence of masked personnel inside the press club undermined its independence and raised concerns about journalists’ ability to report freely.
Threat Developments:
Following the incident, the press club held an emergency meeting and demanded an independent and transparent investigation, identification of those responsible, and legal action against the personnel involved. Journalists also announced a boycott of Khyber police activities and news coverage until an investigation was conducted.
Mahmood Jan Babar, Adviser to the Area Development Secretariat for Information, took notice of the incident and sought a report from the District Police Officer (DPO). He stated that an investigation was underway to establish the facts and assured journalists of the administration’s support.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Alifya Sohail, Journalist, Karachi
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 12 October 2026, journalist Alifya Sohail disclosed that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had issued her a notice under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), directing her to appear at its Karachi office on 16 October 2026. The notice instructed her to bring all relevant digital devices in connection with an allegation of posting or sharing anti-state content on social media platforms.
Sohail stated that the notice did not identify any specific social media post, complaint,t or evidence supporting the allegation. She expressed concern over being asked to produce her digital devices and respond to unspecified accusations. She also highlighted that her journalistic work involved reporting on human rights and alleged abuses of state power.
Threat Developments:
The notice warned of possible legal action in case of non-compliance and placed the journalist under the prospect of further investigation. Sohail publicly questioned the vague nature of the allegations and the demand for her digital devices without disclosure of the material forming the basis of the inquiry. The outcome of her scheduled appearance on 16 October was not established in the available reporting.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Hamad Ali, Reporter, 92 News, Quetta
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 7 October 2026, a criminal case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) had been registered against Hamad Ali, a reporter associated with 92 News’ Quetta bureau. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had also issued him a notice in connection with a news report he had produced in his professional capacity. The exact date of registration of the case and issuance of the notice was not disclosed in the available reporting.
According to a joint statement issued by the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) on 7 October, the disputed report was based on verified information contained in a registered FIR and had also been published by other media organisations. The union stated that the complaint prompting the proceedings was filed by a former Levies officer who was himself nominated in the underlying case and had reportedly been suspended.
Threat Developments:
The BUJ strongly condemned the proceedings and expressed concern over alleged pressure on the journalist to apologise for his professional reporting. The union demanded that the Balochistan government, Inspector General of Police and senior NCCIA officials take notice, ensure due process and prevent interference in journalistic work.
Threats, Attacks and Legal Pressure Against Various Types of Media:
Three television and two print media professionals were subjected to threats, attacks or legal action during October 2026.
Threat Actors:
In four cases, state actors were identified or alleged to be involved, while one case involved non-state actors.
