The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan has strongly criticized the recent actions taken against senior journalist Nadir Khan by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). The HRC views this as a direct assault on press freedom and an effort to intimidate journalists. Nadir had published a sensitive news story on alleged LPG smuggling through a cargo ship at Karachi Port, leading to a swift case being filed against him.
The HRC expressed surprise at the NCCIA’s quick dismissal of the news without thorough investigation and subsequent targeting of the journalist. The Council emphasized that using law enforcement agencies to shield individuals mentioned in the news story is an attack on press freedom. They demanded the immediate dismissal of the case against Nadir Khan and a transparent inquiry into the news facts.
The Karachi Press Club (KPC) also denounced the case against Nadir, labeling it an attack on press freedom and freedom of expression. KPC officials criticized the NCCIA for filing the case abruptly, without prior notice or inquiry, which they deemed a violation of legal procedures and an attempt to stifle independent journalism. The officials highlighted that such actions not only suppress press freedom but also harass journalists who uncover the truth.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists-Dastoor (PFUJ-D) joined in the criticism, denouncing the case as a conspiracy to undermine freedom of expression. PFUJ-D officials expressed serious concerns over the case’s procedural irregularities, stating that filing a case without due process poses a significant threat to journalistic freedom and aims to intimidate reporters.
