Nine cases of different threat categories were recorded against journalists across Pakistan during June 2026, including actual legal action, arrest, threat of harm, threat to murder and other.
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 (Gilgit Baltistan) 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.
These cases were categorized as follow:        
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Threat to murder
Assault resulting in injury
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Arslan Shaukat Mahandrah, Correspondent, Lahore Rang
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 18 June 2026, journalist Arslan Shaukat Mahandrah, a correspondent for Lahore Rang and member of the District Press Club, Rahim Yar Khan, was booked in a criminal case in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, following his coverage of a public-interest issue involving transgender persons allegedly filming videos in public parks and other public spaces where women and children were present.
According to the police complaint, registered through the Citizen Feedback/PSRMS system, Mahandrah and others allegedly recorded videos of transgender persons and uploaded the footage on social media, resulting in public criticism and reputational harm. Police registered a criminal case under Sections 341 and 506 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and stated that additional legal provisions could be added following the investigation.
According to local journalists, Mr. Mahandrah was carrying out his professional duties while reporting on a matter of public concern when he allegedly faced threats. They maintained that the subsequent registration of the criminal case was linked to his journalistic work and raised concerns that it could discourage legitimate reporting on sensitive social issues.
An emergency meeting of the District Press Club, chaired by Acting President Sheikh Jahangir Ashraf and General Secretary Sikandar Zaman Chaudhry, condemned the registration of what the club members described as a “false” and “baseless” case against the journalist.
Threat Developments:
The case remains under investigation, with police indicating that additional legal provisions may be added as the inquiry proceeds. Journalist bodies in Rahim Yar Khan have condemned the criminal proceedings, describing them as an attempt to intimidate a journalist and restrict reporting on matters of public interest. They have called for the withdrawal of the case and continue to monitor its progress.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Habibullah Malik, Chief Editor, Daily Saaf Saaf (Rahim Yar Khan-Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 2 June 2026, the Deputy Commissioner of Rahim Yar Khan issued a show-cause notice to Habibullah Malik, Chief Editor of Daily Saaf Saaf, Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab province, under Section 16 of the Press, Newspapers, News Agencies and Books Registration Ordinance, 2002, over the publication of a news report dated 29 May 2026 concerning an open sewerage manhole at Jinnah Park, Rahim Yar Khan.
The notice alleged that the report was fabricated, defamatory, and published in violation of the ethical commitments and undertakings submitted by the editor when obtaining the newspaper’s declaration. These alleged violations included failure to ensure factual accuracy and verification, as well as the publication of unverified and defamatory information.
The Deputy Commissioner further stated that sufficient material existed to initiate proceedings under Section 19 of the law, and directed Habibullah Malik to appear before the Deputy Commissioner’s office on 5 June 2026 with documentary evidence to substantiate the published report. The notice warned that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could result in legal proceedings aimed at preventing the publication of allegedly defamatory and misleading material.
Copies of the notice were also forwarded to the Press Registrar of Pakistan, the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), and relevant officials of the Punjab Home Department.
Threat Developments:
The issuance of the show-cause notice constituted a formal legal warning and the initiation of potential regulatory proceedings against the newspaper’s chief editor. The matter raised concerns among media observers regarding the use of regulatory provisions to scrutinize and potentially penalize reporting on issues of public interest. At the time of reporting, the notice required the editor to respond before the Deputy Commissioner’s office, with the possibility of further legal action under the Ordinance remaining pending.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Shakeel Ahmad Baloch,Editor, Daily Baithak, Multan (south Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 2 June 2026, Shakeel Ahmad Baloch, Editor of Daily Baithak in Multan – Punjab, reported that officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) visited the newspaper’s office twice in a single day in connection with an inquiry against him. According to the journalist, the officials did not produce a search warrant, arrest warrant, court order, or any written authorization during the visits.
Shakeel Baloch alleged that the NCCIA personnel entered the newsroom and engaged in “aggressive conduct,” including kicking the office door, intimidating newsroom staff, and creating an atmosphere of fear within the workplace. He further stated that the officials seized an computer without presenting judicial authorization or providing a seizure memo (Fard-e-Maqboozi) or inventory record documenting the confiscation.
According to the complainant, the actions disrupted newsroom operations and interfered with the functioning of the media organization. He alleged that the conduct of the NCCIA officials violated due process and undermined legal safeguards afforded to journalists and media organizations.
Threat Developments:
The incident raised concerns over the treatment of journalists during cybercrime-related inquiries and the seizure of newsroom equipment without documented legal authorization. The reported confiscation of digital equipment and the manner of the NCCIA’s actions prompted concerns regarding press freedom, due process, and the protection of journalistic material. No information was available regarding the return of the seized computer or the outcome of the inquiry.
Assault resulting in injury
Journalist: Mian Zahid Owaisi, Crime Reporter, Daily Khabrain- Bahawalpur (south Punjab)
Threat Actor: Non-State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 7 June 2026, journalist Mian Zahid Owaisi, a crime reporter for Daily Khabrain, was reportedly attacked by approximately 10–15 unidentified persons near Bandra Pul on Multan Road in Bahawalpur district. The assailants allegedly assaulted him with sticks and clubs, causing serious injuries.
Zahid Owaisi was shifted to Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH), Bahawalpur, where he received emergency medical treatment. The attack raised serious concerns regarding the safety of journalists, particularly those reporting on organized crime and alleged narcotics-related activities. Local journalist representatives indicated that the assault appeared to be linked to the journalist’s professional reporting.
Following the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Rana Abdul Wahab ordered immediate action. According to the police, investigators reviewed CCTV footage, video evidence, and other material, leading to the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in the assault. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the arrested attackers, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The Bahawalpur Press Club, through its representative Chaudhry Saleem, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Zahid Owaisi, describing the incident as a “threat to press freedom, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists.”
Threat Developments:
Police investigations remain ongoing, with three suspects arrested and legal proceedings underway. Authorities have stated that efforts will continue to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring all those responsible to justice. The attack has prompted renewed calls from the journalist community for greater protection of media professionals and effective measures to prevent retaliatory violence against journalists carrying out their professional duties.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Kifayat Ullah Yousafzai, Freelance Journalist, Charsadda (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Threat Actor: Criminal Gangs
Incident Summary:
On 14 June 2026, journalist Kifayat Ullah Yousafzai working as a freelance journalist in Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province,reportedly received a threatening phone call after publishing reports on alleged corruption and irregularities at the Women and Children Hospital in Charsadda district and its Medical Superintendent.
According to an available audio recording of the call, the caller warned the journalist to stop reporting on the matter and claimed that individuals associated with the Medical Superintendent could target him if he continued his reporting. The caller further alleged that a “criminal group” based in Batkhela, Malakand region, might act against the journalist should he continue reporting the issue.
The threat was reportedly made in direct response to the journalist’s investigative reporting on matters of public interest, raising concerns over intimidation aimed at preventing further journalistic scrutiny.
Threat Developments:
The threatening phone call heightened concerns regarding the safety of journalists reporting on alleged corruption involving public institutions. At the time of reporting, no physical attack or legal action had occurred, but the incident underscored the risks faced by journalists investigating governance and accountability issues. The reported audio recording may serve as evidence should further action be pursued.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Farhan Arshad Bhatti, Correspondent, Channel 92, Gujranwala (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 12 June 2026, Farhan Arshad Bhatti, a correspondent for Channel 92 news channel in Gujranwala, Punjab, alleged that he was subjected to intimidation and misconduct by officials of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) Force following the publication of a news report critical of the force’s conduct.
According to the journalist, he had published a report on 11 June 2026 alleging that PERA Force personnel had misbehaved with shopkeepers and traders, causing concern among local business owners whenever force personnel entered the markets.
Farhan Bhatti stated that two days after the report was published, PERA Force officials approached him while he was sitting at a shop. According to his account, the officials first summoned him through his nephew and, upon his arrival, allegedly misbehaved with him and warned that he would “face the music” for publishing the report against them.
The journalist maintained that the alleged intimidation was directly linked to his reporting on the conduct of the PERA Force.
Threat Developments:
Following the incident, the matter was reportedly brought to the attention of the Deputy Commissioner. According to the journalist, the official concerned subsequently apologized, and one of the officials involved in the incident was transferred. The development provided an administrative response to the complaint, although the incident raised concerns regarding intimidation of journalists in retaliation for reporting on the conduct of public officials.
Assault without injury (manhandling etc.)
Journalist: Hidayat Ullah, Reporter, Aaj News and Daily Aaj, Bannu (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Threat Actor: Non-State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 8 June 2026, journalist Hidayat Ullah, affiliated with Aaj News channel and Daily Aaj newspaper, was allegedly assaulted in Bannucitywhile documenting alleged use of substandard materials in the construction of a road.
According to the registered First Information Report (FIR), the attack took place inside the office of the Public Health Engineering Department, where contractor Muhammad Zaheer Shah and approximately 10 of his associates allegedly confronted the journalist. The suspects reportedly asked the journalist to identify himself before physically assaulting him in connection with his journalistic work.
Following the incident, an FIR was registered at Bannu City Police Station under Sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 352 (assault or use of criminal force), and 140 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against the accused.
Threat Developments:
The registration of the FIR initiated legal proceedings against the accused in connection with the alleged assault on the journalist. The incident raised concerns over the safety of journalists reporting on alleged corruption and irregularities in public development projects, particularly at the local level. The investigation remained ongoing following the registration of the case.
Threat to murder
Journalist: Hasnain Akhlaq, Correspondent, Daily Khabrain, Lahore (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 24 June 2026, Hasnain Akhlaq, a correspondent for Daily Khabrain in Lahore, submitted an application with Civil Lines Police Station for registartion of a criminal case after allegedly receiving death threats following the publication of a news report on alleged irregularities in the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) Housing-III wing.
According to the complaint, the report, published two days earlier, highlighted alleged administrative irregularities within the Housing-III branch, including claims of unauthorized individuals performing official duties, appointments of unrelated persons to government positions, and the alleged influence of union office-bearers in official affairs.
The journalist alleged that while seeking the official version after publication of the report, a senior official of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) threatened him in connection with his reporting. He further stated that a union office-bearer later contacted him through WhatsApp and allegedly threatened to kill both the journalist and his children if similar reports were published in the future.
The journalist subsequently submitted an application to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Civil Lines Police Station, requesting the registration of a criminal case and maintaining that the threats were issued in retaliation for his professional reporting.
Threat Developments:
The alleged death threats prompted condemnation from several journalist organizations and media representatives, who called for an immediate and impartial investigation, registration of a criminal case, and action under the relevant laws against those responsible. They emphasized that intimidation and threats directed at journalists for carrying out their professional duties pose a serious challenge to press freedom and the safety of media professionals.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist: Razi Tahir, Independent Journalist, Islamabad
Threat Actor: State Actor
Incident Summary:
On 23 June 2026, in Islamabad, journalist Razi Tahir was arrested by officials of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) from the Islamabad District Courts after his pre-arrest bail was dismissed in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
The case was registered under Sections 20 and 26-A of PECA in connection with an alleged social media post concerning reports that the had met the jailed founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Authorities alleged that the post violated provisions of the law governing online content.
On 16 June 2026, the court granted Mr. Tahir interim pre-arrest bail and directed the NCCIA to produce the investigation record at the next hearing. After the agency failed to submit the required record, the court extended the interim bail until 23 June 2026. When the matter was heard on that date, the court dismissed the bail application, following which NCCIA officials arrested the journalist from the court premises.
Threat Developments:
The arrest prompted concern among press freedom advocates and human rights organizations, which argued that criminal provisions of PECA were increasingly being used in cases involving journalists and online expression. Rights groups called for a transparent, impartial, and independent review of the case and urged the authorities to ensure that all legal proceedings complied with due process and constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression. The case also renewed criticism of Section 26-A of PECA, with media organizations and legal experts expressing concern over its potential impact on press freedom. Legal proceedings against the journalist remained ongoing.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Two television, five print and two internet journalist received threats during June 2026.
Threat Actors:
In six cases, state actors were believed to be involved, while two cases involved non-state actors and one case involved a criminal gang.
Caption: Bahawalpur journalist Mian Zahid Owaisi was brutally assaulted while carrying out his professional duties.