The Karachi Press Membership (KPC) has strongly condemned the registration of a case in opposition to investigative journalist Nadir Khan, terming it an assault on press freedom and freedom of expression.
In an announcement, KPC President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Aslam Khan, and members of the chief council criticised the motion taken by the Nationwide Cyber Crime Investigation Company (NCCIA), which reportedly registered the case with out prior discover or inquiry.
The KPC officer bearers described the transfer as a “violation of authorized procedures and a premeditated try to suppress impartial journalism”.
“The case was lodged at a time when the nation requires unity resulting from ongoing challenges,” they added.
“The case was registered with out discover or inquiry, in clear disregard of due authorized procedures, and seems to be a premeditated and motivated motion. Such measures not solely intention to suppress press freedom but additionally quantity to harassment of journalists who deliver details to mild.”
Individually, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists-Dastoor (PFUJ-D) additionally condemned the case, calling it a conspiracy in opposition to freedom of expression.
In a joint assertion, PFUJ-D President Haji Muhammad Nawaz Raza, Secretary Basic AH Khanzada, and members of the chief council expressed concern over the style wherein the case was filed.
Based on PFUJ, the case stemmed from a information report alleging {that a} ship arriving at Port Qasim was stopped by the Federal Investigation Company Anti-Corruption Circle over suspected smuggling of LPG fuel.
Authorities had been reportedly investigating the ship’s employees and documentation.
“Submitting a case with out due course of represents a critical menace to journalistic freedom and seems to be an try to intimidate the reporter,” the PFUJ-D officer bearers stated.
They referred to as on the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the related authorities to right away withdraw the case to keep away from escalating tensions between the federal government and the media throughout a important time.
