Under Attack

 April 27, 2018:  Shehzad Afridi, a journalist with Mashriq TV, was tortured and arrested by police in Hayatabad after attempting to record police checking smugglers. His mobile was seized, and he was beaten before being taken to Tatara Police Station.

 April 13, 2018:  Bilal Sheikh, a reporter with DawnNewsTV, was tortured and illegally detained by a local councilor in Sheikhupura while covering a substandard sewerage project. Councilor Rai Mohammad Khan and his men beat Sheikh, snatched his phone, and took him to the councilor's office where he was further beaten.

 April 09, 2018:  Asad Khan Betini, a journalist, was beaten by supporters of Agriculture Minister Jaffar Khan Mandokhail in Zhob after reporting on corruption. Betini was hospitalized for treatment. The minister denied the allegations but acknowledged a clash between his supporters and Betini's group.

 April 05, 2018:  Daily Jang reported an attempted break-in at the home of Saleem Safi, host of Geo News' program Jirga. The incident occurred on Nazimuddin Road, Islamabad, and involved the injury of the security guard. The attackers fled, taking the magazine of a 7mm gun.

 March 15, 2018:  Anwar Shah, a correspondent for the Tribal News Network, receives threats after reporting on allegations that lady doctors at government hospitals in Kurram Agency were complicating delivery cases and directing patients to their private clinics. Dr. Kaleem Shah, whose spouse is Dr. Rashida Kaleem, is reportedly behind the threats.

 March 09, 2018:  Reporters Without Borders (RSF) demands the immediate release of Pakistani journalists Rafaqat Ali Jarar and Kamran Sahito, who were held on dubious charges in Sindh after being forcibly disappeared. Jarar, from the Daily Koshish, faces terrorism charges linked to alleged connections with India’s R&AW, while Sahito of Sindh Express is charged with burglary.

 March 08, 2018:  Matiullah Jan, host of Waqt TV’s Apna Apna Gareban, accused Ombudsperson Kashmala Tariq of ordering an attack and illegal detention of him and his team. Tariq, who was appointed to protect women against workplace harassment, allegedly had her staff forcibly detain Jan and confiscate their footage.

 February 24, 2018:  Iftikhar Bhatti, a reporter with Capital TV in Pakpattan, was attacked by armed men allegedly led by PML-N MPA Mian Naveed in retaliation for his corruption reports. Bhatti was beaten and injured, and his house was attacked with aerial shots.

 February 06, 2018:  Zia Shahid, Chief Editor of Daily Khabrain, faces death threats from the banned outfit Jamaat ul Ahrar. Following these threats, the Civil Lines Police have registered a case. The newspaper’s chief reporter, Talal Ishtiaq, has requested security and legal action against the perpetrators.

 January 23, 2018:  Discover the harrowing journey of Sahibzada Bahauddin, a journalist from Bajaur Agency, who faced constant threats from the Taliban, military operations, and displacement. Despite losing everything, he continued to report, advocating for better support for journalists in dangerous regions.

 January 22, 2018:  Fawad Hasan, a senior sub-editor at The Express Tribune, was briefly detained and questioned by men in plain clothes at Karachi University after attending a condolence meeting for MQM-London leader Dr. Hasan Zafar Arif. The incident highlights concerns about journalist safety and press freedom.

 January 22, 2018:  Haji Pajir Gul, a dedicated journalist from North Waziristan, faced life-threatening hazards, including grenade and rocket attacks. Forced to flee during a military operation, he now struggles in Peshawar but remains passionate about journalism. Discover his resilient story and call for better support for journalists in conflict zones.

 January 21, 2018:  Journalist Abu Zar Afridi faced threats, survived a kidnapping attempt, and was injured in a bomb blast while reporting from Khyber Agency (FATA). Forced to flee to Peshawar, Afridi continues to face economic and safety challenges. His story underscores the urgent need for better support and safety measures for journalists in conflict zones.

 January 20, 2018:  Freelance journalist Adnan Bhitani faced severe threats from the Taliban for his reporting in Frontier Region Tank. Forced to move to Islamabad and constantly change locations, Bhitani's story highlights the perils journalists face in militant-infested regions. Learn about his struggles and the lack of governmental support.

 January 19, 2018:  Anwar Shakir, a journalist from South Waziristan, faced severe threats, and kidnappings, and was shot in the chest due to his reporting. Now living in Islamabad, he struggles with financial and health issues while receiving little support from journalist unions. His story highlights the urgent need for better safety and welfare measures for journalists in conflict zones.

 January 10, 2018:  Journalist Taha Siddiqui, known for his critical stance on Pakistan's military, narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping by armed men en route to Islamabad airport. This incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by journalists and social media activists in Pakistan. Rights groups condemn these actions as attempts to silence dissenting voices.

 December 10, 2017:  Journalists in Sukkur stage a sit-in protest following the assault of several colleagues by allegedly drunken police officials. The incident involved Geo News cameraman Usama Talat, Waqt News's Qazafi Shah, photojournalist Salman Ansari, and others.

 December 01, 2017:  A terrorist attack on a hostel at Peshawar's Agricultural University Directorate resulted in nine fatalities and 37 injuries. Channel 24 reporter Rehm Yousafzai was among the injured, suffering a bullet wound to the leg. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

 November 03, 2017:  The Chaghi, Shaheed Sikandarabad Surab, and Mir Ahmad Yar Khan Kalat Press Clubs in Balochistan cease operations, bringing the total closures to 12 amid escalating militant threats. Recent attacks include grenades at Hub Press Club, assaults on newspaper distribution, and burning of newspapers.

 November 02, 2017:  The press freedom situation in Balochistan worsens as five more press clubs—Sarawan, Hub, Wandar, Uthal, and Bela—shut down due to militant threats. These closures follow attacks and threats from militant groups, with no security provided by local authorities.