NAB arrests Jang Group boss Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published March 12, 2020

ISLAMABAD—The National Accountability Bureau on Thursday arrested media mogul Mir Shakil-ur-Rehman on corruption charges, in a decades-old case his representatives said was motivated by a desire to retaliate following the broadcast of several investigative programs.

Rehman is the editor-in-chief of the Jang Group that includes some of Pakistan's biggest newspapers and the Geo television network. The arrest was made over a land transaction dating back to 1986. He is accused of scoring illegal concessions in the purchase of plots in Lahore.

In a statement, Geo denied the allegations against Rehman, saying all taxes and legal requirements pertaining to the property purchase had been fulfilled.

Geo said the NAB only arrested Rehman because of investigative pieces his channels had conducted into the bureau.

Over the past 18 months the NAB has "sent our reporters, producers and editors—directly and indirectly—over a dozen threatening notices," the statement read, adding that the bureau had said it would shut down "our channels... due to our reporting and our programs about NAB."

"In its defense, NAB has in writing said it is a constitutionally protected institution that can't be criticized," the statement continued.

Pakistani media have been subjected to growing censorship and pressure following the election of Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2018.

The NAB was founded in 2000 by then military ruler Pervez Musharraf to go after corrupt politicians, bureaucrats and businesspeople.

However, it came under fire after Khan was elected, with leading opposition parties accusing it of being used for political ends.

In recent years the space for dissent has shrunk further in Pakistan, with the government announcing a crackdown on social networks, and traditional media houses decrying pressure from authorities that they say has resulted in widespread self-censorship.—AFP

Matiullah Jan abducted while investigating PTI deaths

 November 28, 2024:  Senior journalist Matiullah Jan has been abducted in Islamabad while investigating PTI protest deaths. Rights lawyers have filed a habeas corpus petition as charges of drug possession and terrorism spark outrage.

Journalist Ahmed Noorani's family comes under attack

 November 25, 2021:  Female journalist Ambreen Fatima, wife of investigative reporter Ahmad Noorani, was attacked by unidentified assailants in Lahore, leading to damage to her car and threats against her.

Dawn chief reporter Amir Wasim claims being chased

 November 21, 2021:  Amir Wasim, Chief Reporter for Dawn newspaper, reported being chased by unknown individuals after leaving FAFEN's office. The incident is linked to a controversial anti-government journalists convention and allegations against FAFEN.

Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud assaulted outside National Press Club

 August 14, 2021:  Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud was assaulted outside the National Press Club in Islamabad. While the attacker was arrested, journalists and the public demand greater safety and accountability for media professionals.

Journalist threatened inside Landi Kotal Press Club

 July 21, 2021:  Journalist Mehrab Shah Afridi from Khyber District has faced threats inside the Landi Kotal Press Club after an interview with MPA Shafiq Sher Afridi. Journalists across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have condemned the intimidation and called for protection.

Journalist tortured in police custody

 July 07, 2021:  Rahim Yar Khan Police allegedly tortured senior journalist Asghar Jaffery while in custody, causing him to lose sight in one eye. Local journalists staged a protest, leading to his release and the suspension of an ASI.

Journalist Asad Toor injured by unidentified assailants

 May 26, 2021:  Journalist Asad Ali Toor was brutally attacked by unidentified men inside his Islamabad apartment. Toor sustained severe injuries and is undergoing treatment. The assailants questioned him about his funding sources before fleeing the scene.

Absar Alam survives gun attack in Islamabad

 April 20, 2021:  Senior journalist and former PEMRA chairman, Absar Alam, survived a gun attack near his home in Islamabad. Alam, a vocal critic of the PTI government and military, remains in high spirits and unshaken by the attack.