Sindh journalist faces terrorism FIR over criticism

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 10 May 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Sindh police filed a terrorism FIR against journalist Imtiaz Chandio over social media criticism of the SPSC, drawing condemnation from lawyers and journalists who warned the case could criminalise public interest criticism.

Summary

KARACHI—Police in Sindh have registered a terrorism-related FIR against journalist Imtiaz Chandio after complaints linked to his social media criticism of the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC), escalating concerns over the use of serious criminal laws against journalists and online commentators in Pakistan.

The FIR followed a complaint submitted by the assistant secretary of the Sindh Public Service Commission to the SHO of GOR Colony police station in Hyderabad. The complaint, later shared online by Advocate Ahmed Khosa, alleged that Chandio used “provocative, threatening, abusive and inflammatory” language in Facebook videos targeting SPSC Chairman Waseem Ahmed, senior Sindh government officials, and other public office holders.

The complaint claimed the journalist’s remarks were intended to “incite hatred, create public disorder, and provoke unlawful action against the State and its functionaries.”

Public backlash follows FIR

The registration of the FIR triggered criticism from lawyers, journalists, and social media users, with some describing the case as an attempt to suppress criticism and public accountability reporting.

Advocate Ahmed Khosa condemned the action against Chandio, saying the journalist had consistently spoken on issues affecting Sindh and public institutions. Khosa criticized the use of criminal proceedings against a journalist over statements made on social media.

Chandio also responded publicly on X, formerly Twitter, claiming the case was politically motivated. In one post, Chandio wrote that a “false FIR of terrorism” had been lodged against him by SPSC Chairman Waseem Ahmed “on the orders” of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. He alleged that the case was intended to silence dissenting voices.

Corruption allegations deepen dispute

In another post on X, Chandio linked the FIR to allegations of corruption and bribery involving public sector recruitment.

He claimed that young people in Sindh had exposed alleged job-selling practices within the commission and demanded a high-level investigation into SPSC Chairman Waseem Ahmed. Chandio called for any inquiry to be led by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and stated that he would accept punishment if his allegations were proven false.

As of Sunday evening, there was no immediate public response from the Sindh government or SPSC Chairman Waseem Ahmed addressing Chandio’s allegations regarding corruption or political interference.

The case has intensified debate over the application of anti-terror and criminal laws in cases involving journalists, vloggers, and political commentators accused of inflammatory or critical speech online.

Pakistani media rights organizations and press freedom advocates have repeatedly expressed concern over the use of cybercrime, sedition, and anti-terrorism laws against journalists and digital commentators, arguing that such cases can have a chilling effect on investigative reporting and political criticism.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The FIR against Chandio highlights the growing legal risks journalists face when reporting on allegations involving public institutions, corruption, and political power structures. For Pakistani media organizations, the case reflects broader concerns over how criminal and anti-terror laws are increasingly intersecting with digital journalism and public-interest commentary.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available social media posts by Imtiaz Chandio and Advocate Ahmed Khosa on May 10, 2026, and complaint documents circulated online the same day.

PHOTO: X (@imtiazchandyo)