Pakistani journalist charged with terrorism after threatening Punjabi officials

Pakistani authorities on Monday charged a prominent journalist with terrorism offenses after he posted a video threatening to kill government officials from the country's dominant Punjabi ethnic group, escalating tensions in a region already strained by linguistic and ethnic rivalries.

The case against Razish Liaqatpuri, a Seraiki-language journalist and author, has drawn attention to the simmering conflict between Pakistan's Punjabi-speaking majority and the Seraiki-speaking minority concentrated in southern Punjab.

In the video posted to Facebook, Liaqatpuri announced he had purchased a gun and outlined plans to target Punjabi government officers, stating: "We will selectively kill Punjabi officers, God willing." The journalist ended his message with "My love is Seraikistan," referencing a proposed separate province for Seraiki speakers that some activists have long demanded.

According to Dawn newspaper, police filed charges under Pakistan's anti-terrorism laws and cybercrime legislation after a local government official reported feeling threatened by the video. The same report indicates Liaqatpuri's family claims he was held in undisclosed detention for three days before charges were formally filed.

Seraiki language advocates have long complained of discrimination in government services and official communications, which predominantly use Punjabi and Urdu. However, mainstream Seraiki organizations have historically pursued their goals through political and legal channels.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists expressed concern about Liaqatpuri's alleged undisclosed detention while emphasizing that journalists must exercise responsibility when covering sensitive ethnic issues.

Neither the Punjab police nor Liaqatpuri's legal representatives could be reached for immediate comment.