Pakistani Journalists Granted Bail After Politically Motivated Case Draws Backlash

November 26, 2024 – Pakistan –

A court in Hafizabad, Pakistan, granted pre-arrest bail to eight journalists who were accused of aiding “proclaimed offenders” during a press conference, an allegation widely condemned as flimsy and politically motivated. The journalists, including Amjad Pervez, Hafiz Azizur Rehman, Shahbaz Gul, Sheikh Javed, Asrar Shah, Javed Asad, Ehsanullah, and Shafaqat Wattoo, were each released on a surety bond of PKR 50,000.

The charges stemmed from their coverage of a media event held at the residence of former MNA Mehdi Hassan Bhatti. Authorities claimed the journalists helped wanted individuals escape during the event. However, all eight maintain that they were present solely in their professional capacity as reporters. Press freedom advocates argue that the case appears to be an abuse of power intended to intimidate the media for simply covering politically sensitive gatherings.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from journalist unions, civil society groups, and legal experts, who view it as part of a larger trend of criminalizing journalism in Pakistan. Over the past year, journalists have increasingly faced legal harassment, including FIRs under cybercrime laws, sedition, defamation, and even anti-terrorism statutes. This tactic is often used to silence critical reporting and deter coverage of opposition political figures and protests.

While the court’s decision to grant bail has been welcomed as a reprieve, it highlights the precarious conditions under which journalists operate in Pakistan. The threat of arrest, legal entanglement, or even physical violence remains ever-present, especially for those reporting on political affairs or government misconduct.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and other watchdog groups have called for all charges to be dropped and for legal reforms that prevent the misuse of criminal statutes against the press. Without structural protections, the chilling effect on media freedom is expected to worsen.

This case serves as a stark reminder that in Pakistan, journalism is increasingly treated not as a democratic necessity but as a threat, punishable by law, regardless of truth or public interest.

Reference – 

https://www.dawn.com/news/1874760/eight-journalists-on-bail-after-flimsy-case