Eleven cases of different threat categories, including actual legal action, threats of legal action, digital threats, arrests and censorship, against journalists and media practitioners were documented across Pakistan during July 2026. Of these cases, six cases were related to Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 or NCCIA investigations.
Punjab recorded the highest number of incidents with six cases, followed by Islamabad Capital Territory with three cases, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir recorded one case each. Most incidents involved the use of legal proceedings and cybercrime-related laws against journalists in connection with their professional work.
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.
These cases were categorized as follows:
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Digital threats (harassment, trolling, abuse, defamation/disinformation, hate speech, etc.)
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Censorship
Journalist: Syed Zeeshan Gillani, Editor-in-Chief, National News, Narowal (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 15 July 2026, journalist Syed Zeeshan Gillani, Editor-in-Chief of N News television channel, was arrested in Narowal (Punjab) after the High Court dismissed his pre-arrest bail petition in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. He was taken into custody from the court premises and remanded to judicial custody.
The case originated from a programme aired by N News in March 2026 concerning the Mall of Multan. Following the broadcast, Israr Ahmed, owner of Mall of Multan and former President of the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, filed a complaint alleging that the programme contained false information. On 26 March 2026, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered four cases against Gillani and N News under PECA. Although Gillani initially obtained pre-arrest bail, the District and Sessions Court later cancelled the relief, prompting him to challenge the decision before the High Court.
On 21 July 2026, the court granted Gillani post-arrest bail and ordered his release. However, he remained in custody as the required surety bonds had not yet been furnished.
Threat Developments:
The case attracted concern from the journalist community due to the use of PECA provisions against a working journalist in connection with a media report. Press freedom advocates continued to monitor the proceedings and emphasized that the application of cybercrime legislation in cases involving journalistic content should not unnecessarily impede journalists’ ability to perform their professional responsibilities. The criminal proceedings may contribute to legal pressure on journalists reporting on matters of public interest and reinforce concerns regarding the use of PECA in relation to media reporting.
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalists: Mohsin Adeel Chaudhry, President, Layyah Press Club and Layyah Today; journalist Zahoor Durrani, Sach News, Layyah (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 4 July 2026, journalists Mohsin Adeel Chaudhry, President of the Layyah Press Club and publisher of the digital news outlet Layyah Today, and Zahoor Durrani, senior journalist with the television news channel Sach News, were implicated in a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) in Layyah (Punjab) in connection with the Layyah E-Commerce College scandal.
The complaint, filed by Sheikh Yousaf Haroon, alleged that 12 individuals, including the two journalists, police officials, and others, received PKR 51.5 million in bribes. The journalists denied the allegations, maintaining that they had only reported on the scandal in the public interest and that their inclusion in the FIR was an act of retaliation for their reporting. Following the registration of the case, both journalists obtained interim bail from the Anti-Corruption Court, while the allegations against them remain unproven and subject to judicial determination.
Threat Developments:
The registration of the FIR prompted condemnation from the Layyah journalist community and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), which described the case as an attempt to intimidate media professionals through legal proceedings. Journalist bodies called on the Chief Minister of Punjabto order an impartial investigation and ensure that journalists are not face retaliatory legal action for reporting on matters of public interest. The case has raised concerns that criminal proceedings against journalists may discourage investigative reporting and contribute to self-censorship on issues involving alleged corruption.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Imran Shafqat, Anchorperson / YouTuber, Tellings, Lahore (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 24 July 2026, journalist and digital content creator Imran Shafqat, associated with Tellings, was issued a notice by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore (Punjab) requiring him to appear before the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre, Multan, in connection with an inquiry into his social media content.
The notice, issued under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), related toEnquiry No. ENQ-CCRC-MTN-1549/26, registered on 24 July 2026. According to the notice, Shafqat was alleged to have shared false, fabricated, malicious, and baseless content targeting government institutions and public dignitaries through social media platforms. He was directed to appear before NCCIA investigators, record his statement, and present his original Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). The notice warned that failure to appear could result in the inquiry proceeding in his absence.
The inquiry reportedly followed a complaint that included links to the videos in question and requested legal action. However, the NCCIA notice itself was limited to requiring Shafqat’s appearance as part of the investigative process and did not constitute a finding of guilt or criminal liability.
Threat Developments:
The issuance of the NCCIA notice subjected Imran Shafqat to a formal criminal inquiry over content published through his digital journalism platforms. While a notice issued under Section 160 CrPCforms part of an investigative process and does not establish wrongdoing, such proceedings may place legal pressure on journalists and digital media practitioners producing commentary on public affairs. The case highlights continuing concerns regarding the use of cybercrime investigations in response to online journalistic content, with the potential to contribute to self-censorship among media practitioners.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Muhammad Awais, Reporter/Anchorperson, Lahore Rang TV channel, Lahore (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 16 July 2026, journalist Muhammad Awais, a reporter and anchor-person with Lahore Rang TV channel, became the subject of a criminal complaint submitted to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Lahore (Punjab) in connection with the recording and publication of a video during a reporting assignment.
The complaint, filed by a lawyer, alleged that a traffic police official recorded him without his consent near the Ring Road and that the footage was subsequently used on social media. The complainant named Awais, a cameraman, the traffic warden, and two unidentified individuals, alleging that the video, along with captions and thumbnails, caused reputational harm. He requested the NCCIA to investigate the matter, examine the submitted digital evidence, and register a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and other relevant laws. The application also cited a Lahore High Court judgment (PLD 2026 Lahore 359) in support of the request.
Speaking to Freedom Network, M.Awais stated that he had been assigned by his channel to cover a report on traffic rules violations and that his presence at the location formed part of his professional duties. He denied violating journalistic ethics and maintained that the recording was undertaken as part of legitimate news coverage.
Threat Developments:
The complaint exposed Muhammad Awais to the possibility of legal proceedings arising from routine newsgathering activities. Although the allegations remain under consideration by the NCCIA and no criminal liability has been established, the request for legal action under PECA 2016 highlights the legal risks journalists may face while covering matters of public interest. Such complaints may contribute to legal pressure on reporters engaged in field reporting and have the potential to discourage journalists from documenting issues involving public officials or law enforcement.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Lal Wazir, Freelance Correspondent, Miranshah, North Waziristan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Threat Actor: Non-State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 30 July 2026, freelance journalist Lal Wazir received a legal notice in Miranshah, North Waziristan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) over his reporting and social media posts concerning a protest held in Islamabad involving allegations of financial fraud.
The dispute arose after protesters accused businessman Samiullah Khan Burki of financial misconduct. Burki and his company denied the allegations, and Burki Legal Consultants issued a legal notice asserting that the published content was false, defamatory, and prejudicial. The notice maintained that the underlying commercial dispute remained sub judices and that no court had issued a final verdict on the matter.
The legal notice challenged Lal Wazir’s reporting and online commentary relating to the protest and the allegations made by the demonstrators.
Threat Developments:
The issuance of a legal notice in response to reporting on an ongoing public dispute placed Lal Wazir under legal pressure in connection with his journalistic work. Although the notice does not constitute a judicial finding or establish liability, legal action of this nature may discourage journalists from reporting on matters of public interest involving commercial disputes and public allegations. The case illustrates how legal notices alleging defamation can have a chilling effect on journalists covering contentious issues before the courts.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Fayyaz Tanoli, Resident Editor, Daily Raees-ul-Akbar, Islamabad (Islamabad Capital Territory)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 8 July 2026, journalist Fayyaz Tanoli, Resident Editor of Daily Raees-ul-Akbar, was issued a summons by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Islamabad (Islamabad Capital Territory) in connection with an inquiry into alleged online defamation.
The notice, issued by the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (CCRC), Islamabad, underSection 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.), directed Tanoli to appear before investigators and record his statement in Inquiry No. RE-1763/2026. The inquiry was initiated following a complaint filed by former Inspector General of Islamabad Police Bin-Yamin Khan, who alleged that an interview circulated on social media had harmed his reputation.
According to available information, the complaint relates to an interview conducted by journalist Khawaja Mateen on his podcast “LAFZ”, in which Tanoli discussed alleged incidents from his tenure in the Islamabad Police. During the interview, Tanoli made allegations concerning the handling of a police case involving Chinese nationals and the alleged conduct of the then Inspector General. These allegations have not been proven in court, and the former IGP has not publicly responded to them. The NCCIA notice did not specify the particular interview, social media platform, or statements forming the basis of the inquiry.
Threat Developments:
Following receipt of the summons, Tanoli reportedly requested the NCCIA to provide details of the allegations and the material under investigation to enable him to respond effectively. The summons prompted concern among journalist organizations, including the Young Journalists Association (YJA) and the Islamabad Union of Journalists (IUJ), which emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression, ensuring due process, and conducting inquiries involving journalists in a fair and transparent manner. The use of cybercrime-related investigative powers in response to journalistic commentary on matters of public interest may contribute to legal pressure on media practitioners and have a chilling effect on investigative reporting and public interest journalism.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Asad Ali Toor, Journalist and YouTuber, Islamabad (Islamabad Capital Territory)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 29 July 2026, journalist and YouTuber Asad Ali Toor was issued a summons by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Islamabad (Islamabad Capital Territory) in connection with Enquiry No. 2220/26, registered underSection 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016, concerning the alleged dissemination, transmission, and public exhibition of false or fake information.
The notice, issued by the Cyber Crime Reporting Centre (CCRC), Islamabad, under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.), directed Toor to appear before investigators on 31 July 2026. It further warned that failure to appear without lawful excuse could result in ex parte proceedings and attract penalties under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860.
Prior to the scheduled appearance, Toor submitted a written response expressing his willingness to cooperate but requested disclosure of the complaint, the specific content under investigation, the date and manner of its dissemination, and any supporting material. He subsequently challenged the summons before the Islamabad High Court (IHC), arguing that the NCCIA had failed to provide sufficient particulars of the allegations, thereby undermining his constitutional right to due process under Article 10A of the Constitution.
On 31 July 2026, the Islamabad High Court granted interim relief and directed that the NCCIA should not summon Toor without first disclosing the allegations forming the basis of the inquiry. The Court observed that any future summons should be accompanied by details of the allegations before requiring the journalist’s appearance.
Threat Developments:
The case raised significant due process concerns regarding the use of cybercrime investigations against journalists without prior disclosure of the allegations under investigation. The Islamabad High Court’s interim order reinforced the principle that individuals subject to criminal inquiries should be informed of the allegations before being required to respond. Journalist bodies, including the National Press Club (NPC), Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), and the Press Association of the Supreme Court (PASC), expressed solidarity with Toor and called on the authorities to ensure transparency, fair treatment, and respect for journalists’ legal and constitutional rights. The proceedings underscore continuing concerns over the application of PECAto journalistic expression and its potential impact on press freedom and digital journalism.
Digital threats (harassment, trolling, abuse, defamation/disinformation, hate speech, etc.)
Journalist: Amar Elahi, Anchor, The Pakhtunkhwa Times, Buner (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Threat Actor: Non- State actors
Incident Summary:
On 17 July 2026, journalist Amar Elahi, an anchor with The Pakhtunkhwa Times, received threats in Buner (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) following the broadcast of a podcast discussing terrorism and the law and order situation in the province.
The threats were reportedly received after Amar Elahi hosted a podcast on 16 July 2026 featuring senior politician Sardar Hussain Babak, during which they discussed terrorism and the prevailing security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Following the podcast’s publication on social media, Amar Elahi received a threatening message from an anonymous account warning him against speaking about militant groups.
According to the journalist, the message claimed that the sender knew his family and threatened serious consequences if he continued reporting on such issues.
Threat Developments:
The threats appear to have been directly linked to Amar Elahi’s reporting on terrorism and security issues, highlighting the risks faced by journalists covering conflict-related and public security matters. The reference to the journalist’s family and the warning against future reporting may create fear and increase the likelihood of self-censorship when covering militant groups and sensitive security issues. The use of anonymous online accounts to intimidate journalists also underscores the growing role of digital platforms in facilitating threats against media practitioners.
Digital threats (harassment, trolling, abuse, defamation/disinformation, hate speech, etc.)
Journalist: Mahnoor Qureshi, Reporter, Pakistan TV, Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Threat Actor: Non-State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 20 July 2026, journalist Mahnoor QureshiofPakistan TVreported that she was subjected to online harassment following her coverage of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections in Muzaffarabad (Azad Jammu and Kashmir). According to the journalist, she received abusive and hostile comments on her social media accounts after reporting on the election process and related developments.
In a public statement shared on social media, Qureshi stated that despite the criticism, pressure, and challenges she had faced, she would continue reporting on issues of public importance and raising her voice for the truth. The online harassment appeared to be linked to her election reporting and professional journalistic activities.
Threat Developments:
The online harassment directed at Mahnoor Qureshi highlights the growing use of digital platforms to intimidate journalists covering politically sensitive issues such as elections. Such targeted abuse may contribute to self-censorship and create a hostile online environment, particularly for women journalists reporting on public affairs. The incident underscores continuing concerns regarding digital safety and the protection of journalists from online intimidation in the course of their professional duties.
Arrest (based on case/FIR/formal accusation)
Journalist: Mehr Hasnain Sheikhana, Correspondent, Asia Urdu (Print), Khanewal (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 7 July 2026, journalist Mehr Hasnain Sheikhana, correspondent for the print newspaper Asia Urdu and a member of the Kot Islam Press Club, was arrested by police in Khanewal (Punjab) after reportedly recording a video of individuals allegedly being held in an unofficial detention facility, described as a private torture cell, by police officials. A court bailiff also reportedly arrived at the location during the recording. Before the footage could be broadcast, police took Sheikhana into custody.
Following his arrest, police accused Sheikhana of being an accomplice of the detainees and alleged that he was the leader of a dacoit gang. Subsequently, five criminal cases were reportedly registered against him at Abdul Hakeem and Haveli Koranga police stations. According to the journalist community, the allegations are fabricated and were brought in retaliation for his reporting. A magistrate’s report reportedly stated that Sheikhana was not identified during the identification parade, raising questions about the credibility of the allegations against him.
Threat Developments:
According to journalists and representatives of the Kot Islam Press Club, Sheikhana was detained for several days before being formally implicated in multiple criminal cases and was later sent to District Jail Khanewal on judicial remand. They further alleged that each time he secured bail in one case, he was immediately re-arrested in connection with another case, effectively preventing his release. Journalist organizations raised the matter with the District Police Officer (DPO) Khanewal, calling for an impartial investigation and expressing concern that the repeated registration of criminal cases and successive re-arrests constituted retaliatory action linked to Sheikhana’s professional work. They also noted that the magistrate reportedly found no evidence implicating the journalist in relation to the incident, raising concerns over the possible misuse of criminal law to intimidate a journalist carrying out his professional responsibilities.
Censorship
Journalist: Munizae Jahangir, Anchorperson, Aaj TV, Islamabad (Islamabad Capital Territory)
State Actors: Other
Incident Summary:
On 22 July 2026, veteran journalist and anchor Munizae Jahangir hosted the final episode of her current affairs programme Spotlight on Aaj TV, concluding an association of more than 11 years in Islamabad (Islamabad Capital Territory). During the farewell broadcast, she thanked the channel’s management, colleagues, production team, guests, and viewers, describing the decision as difficult for both herself and the management. No official reason was provided for the programme’s discontinuation.
Following the announcement, concerns emerged among journalist bodies and civil society organizations that the programme may have been discontinued due to editorial pressure linked to Jahangir’s reporting and commentary on politically sensitive issues. Journalist Asad Ali Toor publicly alleged that pressure increased after her interview with Mahmood Khan Achakzaiand her legal analysis concerning Mahrang Baloch. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and neither Munizae Jahangir nor Aaj TV has publicly confirmed that external pressure influenced the decision.
Threat Developments:
The development prompted concern from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the National Press Club (NPC), the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), the Women Journalists Association of Pakistan (WJAP), and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), all of which highlighted broader concerns regarding editorial independence, freedom of expression, and the shrinking space for independent journalism. Following her departure, Jahangir announced that she would continue her journalistic work through independent digital platforms.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Five digital, four electronic and two print media professional received threats during July 2026.
Threat Actors:
In seven cases, state actors were suspected to be involved, in three cases non-state actors, while in one case other actors were believed to be involved.
