Minister Shireen Mazari says no cases registered against journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 25 September 2020

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari has denied any registered cases against journalists by the FIA. Her remarks follow concerns raised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan regarding defamation claims against social activists.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Friday denied the Federal Investigation Agency had registered any case against journalists.

She was responding to a tweet by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in which it expressed alarm over the registration of cases against 49 social activists and journalists for defaming national institutions.

DawnNews TV first aired the news and again discussed it in its talk show Zara Hut Kay, hosted by Mubashir Zaidi, Wasatullah Jan and Zarrar Khuhro.

The minister termed the news incorrect, saying a private citizen sent a complaint to FIA against around 12 journalists, including Matiullah Jan, Umer Cheema, Asad Toor, Ammar Masood, Murtaza Solangi, Bilal Farooqi and others. She added that FIA had not registered any case.

“This was disturbing news so I checked & my info is it's incorrect. A private citizen has sent complaint to FIA against around 12 journalists. FIA examines all complaints but NO FIR has been registered & FIA can't register FIR under PECA without following specified legal procedures.”

In another tweet, the minister asked if there was more information regarding this episode if so she was ready to follow it up. “If anyone has contrary evidence in terms of FIRs do let me know so I can follow up further.”

KEY POINTS:

• Shireen Mazari denies any cases filed against journalists by the FIA.
• A private complaint against around 12 journalists was sent to the FIA.
• FIA has examined complaints but has not registered any FIR.
• Mazari encourages anyone with evidence of FIRs to come forward.
• Concerns were raised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.