DND News: Journalism in Pakistan has become a dangerous profession, offering only financial turbulence and threats from non-state actors, politicians, mafias, goons and sometimes even official quarters.
Investigative journalism and independent-minded journalists also face tremendous economic strangulation within their organisations if they do not comply with the unreasonable demands of their owners, who are now mostly real estate developers and politicians.
“Journalism Is Not a Crime”
The latest case of such a situation involves Azad Digital, as Adeel Umar, Desk In-charge at Azad Digital, has requested protection and legal action from the NCCIA on behalf of the CEO of the online news platform.
The complaint accuses Zia-ur-Rehman and others of issuing direct threats and engaging in harassment. According to the complaint, Rashid Soomro allegedly issued death threats against the CEO of Azad Digital. The allegations include the posting of threatening content and comments through various Facebook accounts. Four Facebook profiles have been linked to these threatening activities in the complaint.
The CEO and his family began facing threats following the broadcast of programmes by Azad Digital. Screenshots and web links to the threatening posts and comments have been attached to the complaint filed by Azad Digital. A request has been made to the NCCIA to identify the individuals involved in issuing the threats, as well as the owners and operators of the social media accounts.
The complaint requests strict legal action against all responsible parties under the relevant laws. Describing the matter as extremely serious and urgent, Azad Digital has requested an immediate investigation.
It is pertinent to mention that the same kind of threats from JUI-F were also received by an unguarded and upright journalist, Aqeel Yousafzai. Hailing from Swat, Aqeel is a well-educated journalist. He is the author of several academic research papers and books. One of his books, War Theatre, is among the best books on regional security dynamics and challenges. The book details militancy, regional conflict and political instability in Pakistan and the wider region, particularly focusing on the resurgence of militant groups and cross-border attacks. He is an Afghan affairs expert whose work is characterised by investigative reporting, historical analysis and first-hand observations, making him a key voice in understanding the complexities of Pakistan’s security landscape.
In one of his interviews, Aqeel shared some facts that triggered a hate campaign against him by JUI-F because he revealed that Pakistan’s security agencies had credible information that, during a meeting between JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman and Mullah Haibatullah, the Ameer of the Afghan Taliban, Fazlur Rehman told Mullah Haibatullah that he (Fazlur Rehman) cared more about Afghan interests than those of Pakistan.
Is it acceptable to threaten journalists and their families in response to political dissent or journalistic activities? The NCCIA has been requested to ensure the safety of the CEO of Azad Digital and his family and conduct a transparent investigation into the complaint.
