JournalismPakistan.com | Published December 27, 2019
Join our WhatsApp channel
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Police in Sukkur should immediately release reporter Ajeeb Lakho and ensure his safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Friday.
Police arrested Lakho, who works for the Urdu-language newspaper, Daily Jurat, on December 24 on charges that included the attempted murder of a police officer, according to a local journalist, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, and the local journalist association, Sindh Journalist Council.
A First Information Report, seen by CPJ and which marks the start of a criminal investigation, has been filed. The local journalist said that Lakho was arrested after he published a story alleging that police were accepting bribes from oil smugglers.
A December 25 letter that the Sindh Journalist Council sent to Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh and chairman of the provincial public safety and police complaints commission, alleged that Lakho was tortured in custody to force him to withdraw his allegations against the police. The letter, reviewed by CPJ, did not specify further details. CPJ could not independently confirm the allegation of abuse.
A spokesperson for the Sindh police did not immediately respond to CPJ’s request for comment sent via messaging app.
“The arrest and alleged abuse by police of a journalist to try to force him to retract reporting is deeply troubling and should have no place in Pakistan, or anywhere else,” said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler. “Sukkur authorities should ensure the safe and unconditional release of Ajeeb Lakho.”
Lakho has faced legal action previously for his reporting on alleged corruption. He is one of approximately 50 journalists who have had over 30 cases filed against them in Sindh Province since May, according to news reports. Sixteen cases have been filed against Lakho alone, The Express Tribune reported on December 21.
The cases accuse the journalists of kidnapping or extortion under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act, according to reports.
Journalists have protested what they say are false charges for months. Some of the demonstrations have been broken up violently by police, according to video reviewed by CPJ. — CPJ/Photo: Ejaz Korai
May 20, 2025: Popular journalist Imran Riaz Khan advises subscribers to use VPN as Pakistan plans to ban several YouTube channels including his with 5.86 million followers.
May 19, 2025: CPJ urges Pakistan to restore Ahmad Noorani’s blocked YouTube channel and stop harassing his family. The journalist could face three-year jail under cybercrime laws amid escalating media crackdown.
May 15, 2025: Dawn faces backlash for publishing ex-CJ Qazi Faez Isa's op-ed, accused of undermining democracy and aiding election rigging. Politicians and journalists condemn the move.
May 12, 2025: PFUJ pays tribute to journalists flogged under General Zia’s martial law in 1978, vowing to resist modern censorship and uphold press freedom in Pakistan.
May 09, 2025: In a bizarre media meltdown, Indian TV channels declared war on Pakistan, claimed imaginary victories and pushed fake narratives—leaving even Indian viewers stunned and apologetic.
May 05, 2025: India has banned prominent Pakistani journalist Rana Mubashir’s YouTube channel, expanding its crackdown on 16 other Pakistani media outlets. The move follows accusations of "false narratives" against India.
May 03, 2025: Pakistan's press freedom under severe threat as PFUJ condemns repressive laws and systematic journalist harassment on World Press Freedom Day. Union reports journalist killings, financial targeting, and government failure to implement safety measures.
May 02, 2025: Dawn has strongly denied publishing any report claiming that TTP stole a PAF F-16 fighter jet, labeling the viral screenshot as fake and digitally manipulated.
May 19, 2025 PJS reports 219 Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 7, with 30 women among the victims. Over 430 were injured and 685 family members were killed. Read more on the systematic targeting of media in Gaza.
May 15, 2025 Discover the legacy of Samiullah Khan, Pakistan’s legendary "Flying Horse," whose breathtaking speed and artistry redefined hockey. From Olympic glory to World Cup triumphs, his story is one of myth, movement, and magic.
May 04, 2025 Algerian authorities suspend Echorouk News TV for 10 days after it used a racist slur against African migrants. ANIRA demands an apology, calling it a violation of human dignity.
May 04, 2025 NCHR and MMfD launch a journalism fellowship to train reporters on digital rights & gender inclusion in Pakistan. Supported by UNESCO, this initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide. Apply by May 15, 2025!
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.