Pakistan’s chief justice orders probe into journalists' arrests following letter
Pakistan has long been ranked among the most dangerous countries for journalists
Aamir Abbasi
Editor, Islamabad
Aamir; a journalist with 15 years of experience, working in Newspaper, TV and Digital Media. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2009 with Pakistan’s Top Media Organizations. Graduate of Quaid I Azam University Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Chief Justice Yahya Afridi directed the attorney general on Thursday to investigate a letter from a journalists’ association highlighting a wave of recent arrests targeting the press.
The letter, issued by the Press Association of Supreme Court (PAS), describes the deteriorating state of press freedom in Pakistan, stating that “journalists in Pakistan are facing a Gaza-like situation”.
Journalists under fire
The letter specifically mentions the arrests of two journalists.
Farhan Mallick, who runs the popular YouTube channel Raftaar, has been charged under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for alleged anti-state activities. Critics argue that PECA, originally intended to combat cybercrimes, has increasingly been used to suppress dissent and control social media. Mallick remains in jail awaiting trial.
Waheed Murad, a journalist affiliated with Saudi-based Urdu News, was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the letter.
The letter also highlights the case of Soban Iftikhar Raja, a young journalist who attempted to track down Murad’s abductors. Raja was brutally beaten, and his mobile phone, bag, and other belongings were confiscated.
Judicial concerns and press crackdown
The letter further references the recent alleged abduction of two brothers of senior journalist Ahmed Noorani, for whom a habeas corpus petition was filed in the Islamabad High Court. The hearing was only scheduled after two days and only following multiple protests by journalists.
The letter strongly criticizes the judiciary’s inaction, blaming the 26th Amendment for rendering the courts “toothless” against executive overreach.
Questions on press freedom
The letter concludes with pressing concerns about the future of journalism in Pakistan.
“Should we start flattering the executive and stop raising questions and speaking the truth just to keep ourselves and our families safe? Or seek asylum in a foreign country?”
“Can’t say whether the author of this letter will be next.”
Pakistan has long been ranked among the most dangerous countries for journalists, with increasing reports of intimidation, enforced disappearances, and legal action against independent voices.
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