Holding Silence to Account
October 31, 2025
Breaking the Cycle of Impunity Against Journalists
October 31, 2025
October 31, 2025 – Pakistan –
In a serious assault on press freedom in Pakistan, authorities in Rawalpindi intercepted a contract killing plot targeting journalist Tahir Naseer of DawnNewsTV. A police investigation revealed three suspects had been hired for Rs 200,000 (approximately USD 500) to assassinate him. They had observed his residence for three days, and one procured a weapon, and the group had already received Rs 99,000 in their bank account.
The plot came to light when the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Nabeel Haider, confirmed the contracted nature of the crime. The suspects were arrested after police traced the preparatory steps of surveillance, payment, and weapon acquisition.
This incident illustrates the precarious state of journalist safety in Pakistan. A recent report documented a sharp increase in threats, attacks and legal actions against media professionals, with Islamabad and Punjab identified as especially dangerous regions for press operators.
The targeting of Tahir Naseer, who is based in Rawalpindi and affiliated with a prominent news channel, sends a chilling message about the risks faced by journalists who report on sensitive matters involving business or political power. The arrest of alleged hitmen underscores both the direct threat to his life and the broader imperative of more effective protection mechanisms for media workers.
For the global advocacy community focused on press freedom and journalist safety, this case adds to the growing evidence of how impunity and contract-based violence create an environment where truth-tellers become exposed targets. The rapid detection and arrests in this case provide a rare moment of accountability. However, observers stress that lasting change requires systematic safeguards, including independent investigations, enforcement of protective laws, and practical measures to protect reporters at risk.
Reference –
https://www.dawn.com/news/1952185/plot-to-target-dawn-tv-journalist-foiled-3-suspects-arrested
