FN Threat Data Analysis-July 2024
Six threat cases of different categories, including attempt to murder, assault resulting in injury, a digital threat, harassment of women journalists, were documented during July 2024 across Pakistan.
These threat cases against journalists are monitored through Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network programme award-winning civil liberty organisation Freedom Network is managing since 2016.
Freedom Network runs five safety hubs across Pakistan to monitor and document violations against media practitioners and assist journalists at risks in partnership with five biggest press clubs of the country, including Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Islamabad and Peshawar. Freedom Network is also signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Multan Press Club to set up a safety hub for journalists from the southern Punjab region.
Threat of harm:
Nabeel Anwar Dhakku, a Dawn correspondent in Chakwal district in Punjab province, filed an FIR against Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) on 29 July 2024 after receiving threats over his Facebook posts about the murder of a Ahmedi doctor and shared a video of TLP leader Pir Zaheerul Hassan Shah Bukhari’s speech. Despite clarifying the content was not his and was removed by Facebook, TLP workers accused him of being a sympathizer of the Ahmedi community. Local TLP leader Hafiz Muhammad Umar Naqshbandi accused Nabeel Anwar during a protest outside Chakwal Press Club, threatening him with violence. Senior journalists condemned the threats and called for authorities to ensure Dhakku’s safety and security.
Digital threats (harassment):
GTV News channel anchor Ms Gharida Farooqi filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Dr. Omer Adil, a Pakistani orthopedic surgeon, and vlogger Zohaib Saleem Butt on 26 July 2024 following “derogatory” and “sexist” comments made by Dr. Adil during an online program hosted by Zohaib Butt on 25 July 2024.
Over 60 journalists, media professionals and media rights organizations, including Freedom Network, in Pakistan condemned Dr. Adil’s remarks. These media rights organizations described these comments as potential for violence and damages to women’s reputations and livelihoods in media industry. Gharida Farooqi requested support to launch legal action against Dr. Omer Adil, with the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) and Freedom Network issuing a press release in her support.
On 27 July, Zohaib Butt issued a public apology, acknowledging the harm caused to Ms Gharida and the wider journalist community. He admitted his platform facilitated the spread of misogynistic content and contributed to tech-facilitated gender-based violence.
Attacks on home:
Editor Daily ‘Qalam’ Islamabad Mujahid Bhatti filed First Information Report (FIR) on 23 July 2024 against unidentified armed men who attempted to break into his residence in Islamabad on 18 July 2024 while he was in Multan. The attack occurred when Bhatti’s wife and children were at home. The armed men tried to force entry after his wife refused to open the door. A neighbor and his son intervened but were assaulted and injured. Bhatti’s complaint led to FIR and authorities assured that legal action would be taken against the attackers.
Actual legal action:
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)’s Cyber Crime Reporting Center summoned 18 July 2024 YouTuber and senior journalist Rizwan-Ur-Rehman, also known as ‘Rizwan Razi,’ for allegedly running a social media campaign against the judiciary. The FIA’ss letter accused Rehman of participating in an obnoxious and intimidating campaign against the country’s higher judiciary.
Rehman was asked to record his statement on 26 July at the FIA Gulberg office. Rehman stated that the FIA did not provide any proof and only served him a summon. Off the record, Rehman claimed that despite the high media hype, the FIA was reluctant to take action due to pressure from Islamabad High Court judges and a suggestion to avoid further media attention.
Assault resulting in injury:
Cameraman Irfan Sangi of Time News and Bashir Mirjat, reporter working for Dharti TV, were assaulted by Karachi Police while covering a protest at Teen Talwar. The protest demanding justice for missing girl Priya Kumari, escalated when police used batons to disperse the crowd, leading to clashes and injuries among protesters, including Sangi and Mirjat.
Despite their right to cover the event, both journalists were attacked and tortured by the police. The South Zone police spokesperson confirmed that an initial probe led to the suspension of four officers involved in the misconduct. An inquiry is ongoing with the police pledging to fulfill all legal requirements and take departmental action. Dharti TV’s Managing Director GM Jamali condemned the police actions, asserting that such abuse of power against journalists was unacceptable.
On July 4, Samaa News journalist Mehmood Ali was assaulted by Zainul Abedin, a local landlord in Sahabpur district(Sindh), while covering the closure of irrigation department works. Abedin reportedly beat Ali and attempted to injure him with his car, causing injury to Ali’s hand. Despite Ali’s complaint, the police have not yet registered an FIR, and the district police officer downplayed the incident as a “minor issue.”
Attacks on offices:
Angry activists of Pashto Tahafuz Movement (PTM) forcibly entered the Bajaur Press Club 7 July 2024 by breaking its locks and shouting slogans. The Press Club, closed for its weekly holiday, had not been contacted by the activists for permission to hold a press conference. President Hasbanullah Khan confirmed that no prior request was made. An FIR has been filed against PTM worker Ubaid Khan at the local police station.
Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Various Types of Media:
Three print, two TV and one youtuber received these threats during July 2024.
Threat Actors Attacking and Harassing Journalists and Media:
Two state, one political party and two other threat actors were believed involved in these threats these journalists faced.
