Pakistan faces criticism as case against journalist sparks press freedom concerns

According to Geo News, KPC President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Aslam Khan, and members of the governing body criticised the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) for initiating legal action without issuing prior notice or conducting a formal inquiry. The club termed the move a violation of due legal procedures and alleged it was a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism. The KPC leadership further argued that such actions reflect a troubling trend of targeting journalists who report on sensitive issues. They emphasised that registering a case without following due process not only undermines the rule of law but also contributes to a climate of fear among media professionals.

The statement also highlighted the timing of the case, noting that the country is currently facing multiple challenges and requires cohesion rather than actions that deepen divisions. The press body warned that suppressing journalistic voices at such a critical juncture could harm democratic discourse. Separately, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists-Dastoor (PFUJ-D) also voiced strong opposition to the case, calling it an attempt to curb freedom of expression. In a joint statement, PFUJ-D President Haji Muhammad Nawaz Raza, Secretary General AH Khanzada, and other officials expressed concern over how the case was filed, as cited by Geo News.

The case reportedly stems from a news report claiming that a vessel arriving at Port Qasim was intercepted by the Federal Investigation Agency's Anti-Corruption Circle over suspected LPG smuggling. Authorities were said to be examining the ship's crew and related documents. PFUJ-D warned that initiating legal proceedings without proper investigation signals an effort to intimidate journalists and discourage investigative reporting. The union urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and concerned authorities to withdraw the case immediately, cautioning that continued pressure on the media could escalate tensions between the government and journalists, as reported by Geo News. (ANI)