State actors cited in four of five media threat cases

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 13 November 2026 |  JP Staff Report

Freedom Network recorded five cases involving threats, an alleged assault or legal pressure against journalists and media workers in Pakistan in October. It classified four as involving identified or alleged state actors.

Summary

ISLAMABAD — State actors were identified or alleged to be involved in four of five cases of threats, assaults and legal pressure against journalists documented in Pakistan during October, according to a Freedom Network report published on November 13.

The Islamabad-based media rights organization said its monthly monitoring recorded incidents involving television and print media professionals in Quetta, Karachi and Landi Kotal. The cases included alleged physical mistreatment, threats of harm, cybercrime proceedings and an incident involving the entry of masked personnel into a press club.

Physical threats and police involvement

Freedom Network classified four cases as involving state actors and one as involving non-state actors. The findings were compiled through its Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network, which has monitored threats against journalists since 2016. The five cases represent documented incidents rather than a comprehensive count of threats nationwide.

In Quetta, ARY News reporter Atiya Akram and her husband, cameraman Aminullah Mengal, were allegedly harassed, verbally abused, and threatened by four unidentified men near GPO Chowk on October 20. The incident occurred while they were travelling with their family. Police registered a first information report, and the Balochistan Union of Journalists demanded action against those responsible.

In Karachi, senior journalist and former Crime Reporters Association president Kashif Hashmi was allegedly assaulted and mistreated at Nazimabad Police Station on October 14. According to the association, police personnel physically assaulted him and damaged his mobile phone while he was performing his professional duties.

JournalismPakistan reported on October 16 that District Central police had detained a suspect identified as Ali, son of Muhammad Samad, following an inquiry ordered by senior police officials. The detention represented an investigative development, but no final finding of responsibility was established in the available reporting.

Cybercrime proceedings raise concerns

Two other cases highlighted the use of cybercrime investigations and legal notices against journalists, an issue that has featured prominently in JournalismPakistan's recent coverage of press freedom in Pakistan.

On October 8, JournalismPakistan reported that the Balochistan Union of Journalists had condemned a case under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act against Hamad Ali, a Quetta-based reporter for 92 News. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency had also issued him a notice concerning a report he produced in his professional capacity.

The union maintained that Ali's reporting was based on information contained in a registered FIR and had also appeared in other news outlets. It expressed concern about alleged pressure on the journalist to apologize and called for authorities to ensure due process.

A separate case involved journalist Alifya Sohail, who disclosed on October 12 that the NCCIA had summoned her to its Karachi office on October 16 and instructed her to bring relevant digital devices.

JournalismPakistan's October 12 report examined a copy of the notice, which referred to allegations of posting or sharing anti-state content without identifying specific social media posts or a complainant. The notice raised questions about the information disclosed to journalists during investigations and the protection of confidential reporting material.

Khyber Press Club dispute resolved

Freedom Network also documented the October 25 incident at the Khyber District Press Club in Landi Kotal, where journalists alleged that masked personnel entered and searched the premises.

JournalismPakistan reported on October 27 that press club members had announced a boycott of police activities and coverage while demanding an independent investigation. At the time, the circumstances remained disputed, with Azaad Urdu questioning the account of the alleged intrusion.

A subsequent development changed the immediate situation. Dawn reported on November 5 that Khyber police had apologized for the incident during a reconciliation process involving local civil society representatives. Press club members accepted the apology and ended their boycott of police functions.

The resolution addressed the immediate dispute but did not establish whether an independent inquiry had been completed or disciplinary action taken against any personnel involved.

A wider pattern of legal pressure

The October findings reinforce concerns raised in Freedom Network's annual Impunity Report 2026, which JournalismPakistan covered on October 29.

That assessment documented 97 violations against journalists and media organizations between October 2025 and August 2026. It identified legal harassment as a major emerging concern, recording 13 instances of legal action and 32 threats of legal proceedings.

The latest monthly findings show that journalists continue to face different forms of pressure, ranging from alleged physical intimidation to investigative notices and criminal proceedings.

While the circumstances and outcomes of individual cases differ, the recurring involvement of law-enforcement and investigative institutions raises questions about accountability, procedural safeguards and the ability of journalists to work without undue interference.

ATTRIBUTION: Based on Freedom Network's monthly monitoring report published November 13, 2026, with additional context from JournalismPakistan's reporting published October 8, 12, 16, 27, and 29, 2026. Additional reporting: Dawn, November 5, 2026; Azaad Urdu, October 25, 2026.