PFUJ slams FIA notice to Dawn journalist, calls it intimidation
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 7 August 2025 | JP Staff Report
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ISLAMABAD—The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) issuance of a notice to Akbar Notezai, a journalist affiliated with Dawn. The notice, reportedly served by the FIA’s Cybercrime Wing, pertains to a story published over a year ago.
In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari expressed alarm over the development, saying: “This development raises serious concerns about the growing climate of fear and intimidation for journalists in Pakistan. Such actions undermine the fundamental right to freedom of expression, enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan, and are a blatant attempt to curb press freedom. The misuse of cybercrime laws to target journalists for doing their job is unacceptable and has a chilling effect on the media, making it increasingly difficult for journalists to report on important issues without fear of reprisal.”
PFUJ emphasized that journalists must be able to do their work without harassment or pressure from authorities. The union demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notice and called on the FIA to stop weaponizing cybercrime laws against journalists.
Standing firmly with Akbar Notezai and Dawn, the PFUJ urged the government to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure a safe environment for media professionals. They called for concrete measures to protect press freedom and prevent further intimidation of journalists.
Photo: X (@Akbar_notezai)
