Islamabad, March 20 – The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan strongly condemned the recent actions taken by the country's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against senior Pakistani journalist Nadir Khan, describing it as a direct attack on press freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists.
The rights body cited details, stating that Nadir had published a sensitive news story regarding the alleged smuggling of LPG through a cargo ship at Karachi Port, after which a case was registered against him just half an hour later.
Expressing concerns over the conduct of the NCCIA, the HRC of Pakistan said, "It is very surprising that such sensitive and important news was refuted so quickly without any thorough investigation, and instead, the journalist was targeted."
The Council noted that "the use of law enforcement agencies in this manner to protect the two prominent figures mentioned in the news constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists."
The HRC also extended support to the Karachi Press Club, demanding that "the illegal case registered against journalist Nadir Khan be immediately dismissed, and a transparent investigation be conducted into the facts presented in the news."
Meanwhile, the Karachi Press Club (KPC) denounced the case filed against Nadir, calling it an assault on press freedom and the right to freedom of expression.
In a statement, KPC President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Aslam Khan, and members of the executive council slammed the NCCIA for registering the case without prior notice or any inquiry, local media reported.
According to KPC officials, the action amounted to a "violation of legal procedures and a premeditated attempt to suppress independent journalism."
"The case was lodged at a time when the country requires unity due to ongoing challenges. The case was registered without notice or inquiry, in clear disregard of due legal procedures, and appears to be a premeditated and motivated action. Such measures not only aim to suppress press freedom but also amount to harassment of journalists who bring facts to light," Pakistani media outlet Geo News quoted the officials as saying.
Separately, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists-Dastoor (PFUJ-D) also criticised the case, terming it a conspiracy aimed at undermining freedom of expression.
In a joint statement, PFUJ-D President Haji Muhammad Nawaz Raza, Secretary General AH Khanzada, and members of the executive council raised grave concerns over the way in which the case was registered against Nadir.
"Filing a case without due process represents a serious threat to journalistic freedom and appears to be an attempt to intimidate the reporter," Geo News quoted PFUJ-D office bearers as saying.