Karachi police arrest ARY News journalist Hafiz Moaz, grounds unclear

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 28 May 2024

Hafiz Moaz, a journalist with ARY News, has been arrested in Karachi, with unclear grounds for his detention. This incident raises alarms about the safety of journalists in Pakistan amid growing threats and violence against the media.

Summary

KARACHI—In a troubling development for press freedom in Pakistan, ARY News Television journalist Hafiz Moaz was arrested from his home in Karachi in the early hours of Tuesday, reports said.

The authorities have not yet disclosed the reasons for his detention, raising serious concerns among media professionals and rights advocates about the increasing pressure on journalists in the country.

Hafiz Moaz's arrest is the latest incident in a series of actions perceived as attempts to stifle the free press in Pakistan. The country has seen a disturbing trend of journalists being targeted, threatened, and even killed for their work. This trend underscores the shrinking space for free expression and investigative journalism.

Recently, the murders of journalists Kamran Dawar and Nasrullah Gadani have shocked the nation and highlighted the perilous conditions under which Pakistani journalists operate. Kamran Dawar, a digital journalist, was fatally shot in North Waziristan on May 21. Just days later, Nasrullah Gadani, known for his courageous reporting on civic issues in Sindh, was killed after sustaining multiple bullet wounds in an attack near Mirpur Mathelo.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have both condemned these killings and called for immediate, transparent investigations. They have also urged the government to take concrete steps to protect journalists and ensure their safety.

The arrest of Hafiz Moaz adds to the climate of fear and intimidation that many Pakistani journalists face. Media watchdogs and press freedom organizations are calling on the authorities to reveal the grounds for Moaz's detention and to respect the rights of journalists to report without fear of retribution.

As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor the developments closely, urging the Pakistani government to uphold the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and press freedom. The recent actions against journalists not only threaten individual reporters but also undermine the democratic principles that are vital to a free and open society.