Five cases involving different threat categories against journalists and media practitioners were documented across Pakistan during September 2026. The documented incidents included threats of legal action, actual legal action, and threats of harm against journalists and media professionals.
The cases were reported in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chakwal and Multan. The incidents reflected continuing risks faced by journalists while performing their professional duties, particularly in relation to reporting on public affairs, political developments, institutional performance, and matters involving public officials and institutions.
These incidents were documented through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, a program 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 program monitors and documents violations against the media, journalists, and media workers while providing essential support to journalists at risk.
These cases were categorized were as follow:
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Actual legal action (civil or criminal + specific law)
Journalist: Muhammad Bilal Ghauri, Journalist and YouTube Commentator, Islamabad
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 5 September 2026, journalist and YouTube commentator Muhammad Bilal Ghauri published a vlog/social media commentary concerning the appointment of a military officer to a civilian position. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) subsequently registered FIR No. 143/2026 against him under Sections 20 and 26-A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). On 6 September, his family reported him “missing” after he disappeared from his office at his residence, and authorities later confirmed that he was detained by NCCIA. He was produced before Judicial Magistrate Malik Aman on 7 September, where the NCCIA requested his physical remand. The court initially granted three days, followed by a further two days on 10 September. On 12 September, the court declined further physical remand and sent him to judicial custody. On 16 September, the court granted post-arrest bail and ordered his release if he was not required in any other case.
Threat Developments:
The case involved criminal proceedings under PECA arising from journalistic/commentary activity. The journalist was detained, subjected to physical remand proceedings and subsequently sent to judicial custody before being granted post-arrest bail. The underlying case remained pending at the time of the reported development.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Asad Ali Toor, Journalist/Vlogger, Rawalpindi
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 15 September 2026, journalist and vlogger Asad Ali Toor received a notice from the NCCIA in Rawalpindi and was directed to appear before the Rawalpindi Cyber Crime Circle on 16 September in an inquiry under Section 26-A of PECA law. The notice was issued in connection with Toor’s claims about an alleged late-night visit by a senior intelligence official to Adiala Jail and an alleged meeting with PTI leader Imran Khan. Toor said he had not received the details of the alleged statement/content forming the basis of the inquiry and sought clarification. The notice warned of possible proceedings under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code for non-compliance.
Threat Developments:
The NCCIA inquiry placed Toor under the prospect of legal proceedings under the PECA law. The matter also followed a separate July 2026 NCCIA inquiry under Section 26-A, in which the Islamabad High Court later directed the agency to provide details.
Threat of legal action (by private party or state – law related)
Journalist: Nabeel Anwar Dhakku, Daily Dawn / BBC Urdu; Qazi Waseem Jahangir, 365 News; Samandar Khan, Minute Mirror — Chakwal
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary: On 22 September 2026, the NCCIA summoned three journalists; Nabeel Anwar Dhakku, Qazi Waseem Jahangir and Samandar Khan, over a complaint filed by Prof. Mehnaz Akhtar, principal of Government Graduate College for Women, Chakwal (Punjab province). The complaint alleged that reports published by the journalists about a dispute involving alleged misconduct and harassment at the institution were “fabricated, baseless and false” and had damaged her reputation and the institution. The journalists said their reports were based on an official inquiry conducted by the Director Colleges, Rawalpindi Division, after 32 of 36 female professors complained about a clerk over alleged misbehavior and threats. The Director subsequently ordered the clerk’s removal and raised questions about support from the college administration. The journalists maintained that they had reported on the matter on the basis of official inquiry findings and documents.
Threat Developments:
The summons led to concerns among journalists about possible legal action and the potential seizure of their phones, which they said contained confidential communications, unpublished material and personal data. No finding of wrongdoing against the journalists was reported in the available case material.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Absa Komal, Senior Anchor, BOL News, Islamabad
Threat Actor: Non-state actors
Incident Summary:
On 14 September 2026, at a hunger strike outside the National Press Club in Islamabad, senior anchor Absa Komal of BOL News spoke about delayed salaries, the treatment of journalists and the financial vulnerability of media workers. She highlighted months of unpaid salaries, forced dismissals and the difficulties faced by younger and lower-paid journalists. Reports shortly afterwards said that BOL News had removed or fired her, or taken her off air. Neither BOL News nor Komal publicly confirmed a formal termination or the reason for the reported removal. The BOL News website continued to list a programme featuring Absa Komal on 16 September.
Threat Developments:
The reported employment action followed Komal’s public remarks about journalists’ working and salary conditions. Media figures questioned whether her removal was connected to her remarks, but a causal link was not confirmed by either BOL News or Komal.
Threat of harm (non-murder related)
Journalist: Haseeb Awan, Senior Reporter; Syed Tanveer Gilani, Cameraman; Multan (Punjab)
Threat Actor: State Actors
Incident Summary:
On 20 September 2026, reporter Haseeb Awan and cameraman Syed Tanveer Gilani were present following a press conference on a polio campaign at Shahbaz Sharif Hospital in Multan, (Punjab province). The Medical Superintendent, Dr. Tanzeel, allegedly behaved inappropriately and attempted to harass and intimidate Awan in connection with his question. Security guards also allegedly attempted to take Gilani’s camera and delete the recorded footage. The journalists described the incident as “interference with their professional duties and press freedom.”
Threat Developments:
The incident involved alleged intimidation of a reporter and an attempt to interfere with recorded journalistic material. The Press Club and journalist bodies demanded action, including the immediate suspension of the Medical Superintendent and a transparent investigation.
Threats, Attacks, and Legal Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Two television, one digital, one print and one freelance media professional were subjected to threats, attacks or legal action during September 2026.
Threat Actors:
In four cases, state actors were involved, while one cases involved non-state actors.
