Freedom of press (or lack thereof) during the rule of the PDM government

[MenInG]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and capital police to stop harassing ARY News anchor Arshad Sharif and any other journalist.

The court order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, directed the FIA's Director General Muhammad Tahir Rai and Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Ahsan Younas to nominate their authorised representatives to appear before the court on Friday at 10:30am.

The order said that according to Sharif's counsel Faisal Chaudhry, he was instructed by the anchor last night to approach the court since "he was being harassed".

It added that the counsel further contended he had not been able to establish contact with Sharif and that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the FIA had "malafidely (sic) and illegally detained the petitioner".

"The learned counsel has contended that the fundamental rights of the petitioner and other persons engaged in the profession of journalism are being violated by the respondents," the order said.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah presided over the hearing on the anchor's petition and questioned what the issue was.

"I got a call from Arshad Sharif last night. The story about the prime minister's visit to Saudi Arabia was broken by Arshad Sharif.

"People went to Arshad Sharif's house in civil uniform last night. I have not been in direct contact with Arshad Sharif since last night," the lawyer said.

He said that "illegal actions" were also being initiated against fellow ARY News anchor Sabir Shakir. The lawyer further informed the court that he had been instructed by Sharif to file the petition. The court observed that the petitioner was suspicious of the FIA wanting to illegally detain Sharif.

Following Justice Minallah's directives to the law enforcement agencies against harassment of journalists, including Sharif, the hearing was adjourned till 10:30am tomorrow.

Earlier, anchorperson Moeed Pirzada had alleged that men in plainclothes, purportedly from the FIA, had barged into Sharif's house and harassed his family in the early hours of Thursday.

"If FIA has a case, it should send notices — let courts examine; state agencies should not act like criminals!" he said.

PTI leaders also commented on the alleged incident, with former information minister Fawad Chaudhry claiming that a number of journalists were being harassed or subjected to discriminatory action.

"He (Sharif) has had his ups & downs but has never wavered in getting facts to back his stories. That is what hurts those whom he exposes!" said PTI leader Shireen Mazari.

PTI's Ali Haider Zaidi termed the alleged incident a "pathetic move".

Veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas, along with others in the media fraternity, condemned the purported harassment.

FIA and govt issue response

Meanwhile, the FIA, in a statement, said that it had "neither arrested nor harassed" Sharif and chalked up the reports as "fake news".

It said the "propaganda" being spread against the watchdog was "deplorable" and warned of possible legal action against the culprits.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb termed the reports about the alleged harassment of Sharif as "inflammatory propaganda against the government".

According to Radio Pakistan, she said the government was busy tackling economic issues and working for public welfare instead of seeking "revenge".

https://www.dawn.com/news/1687258/i...e-from-harassing-ary-journalist-arshad-sharif

 

[Bewal Express]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and capital police to stop harassing ARY News anchor Arshad Sharif and any other journalist.

The court order, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, directed the FIA's Director General Muhammad Tahir Rai and Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Ahsan Younas to nominate their authorised representatives to appear before the court on Friday at 10:30am.

The order said that according to Sharif's counsel Faisal Chaudhry, he was instructed by the anchor last night to approach the court since "he was being harassed".

It added that the counsel further contended he had not been able to establish contact with Sharif and that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the FIA had "malafidely (sic) and illegally detained the petitioner".

"The learned counsel has contended that the fundamental rights of the petitioner and other persons engaged in the profession of journalism are being violated by the respondents," the order said.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah presided over the hearing on the anchor's petition and questioned what the issue was.

"I got a call from Arshad Sharif last night. The story about the prime minister's visit to Saudi Arabia was broken by Arshad Sharif.

"People went to Arshad Sharif's house in civil uniform last night. I have not been in direct contact with Arshad Sharif since last night," the lawyer said.

He said that "illegal actions" were also being initiated against fellow ARY News anchor Sabir Shakir. The lawyer further informed the court that he had been instructed by Sharif to file the petition. The court observed that the petitioner was suspicious of the FIA wanting to illegally detain Sharif.

Following Justice Minallah's directives to the law enforcement agencies against harassment of journalists, including Sharif, the hearing was adjourned till 10:30am tomorrow.

Earlier, anchorperson Moeed Pirzada had alleged that men in plainclothes, purportedly from the FIA, had barged into Sharif's house and harassed his family in the early hours of Thursday.

"If FIA has a case, it should send notices — let courts examine; state agencies should not act like criminals!" he said.

PTI leaders also commented on the alleged incident, with former information minister Fawad Chaudhry claiming that a number of journalists were being harassed or subjected to discriminatory action.

"He (Sharif) has had his ups & downs but has never wavered in getting facts to back his stories. That is what hurts those whom he exposes!" said PTI leader Shireen Mazari.

PTI's Ali Haider Zaidi termed the alleged incident a "pathetic move".

Veteran journalist Mazhar Abbas, along with others in the media fraternity, condemned the purported harassment.

FIA and govt issue response

Meanwhile, the FIA, in a statement, said that it had "neither arrested nor harassed" Sharif and chalked up the reports as "fake news".

It said the "propaganda" being spread against the watchdog was "deplorable" and warned of possible legal action against the culprits.

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb termed the reports about the alleged harassment of Sharif as "inflammatory propaganda against the government".

According to Radio Pakistan, she said the government was busy tackling economic issues and working for public welfare instead of seeking "revenge".

https://www.dawn.com/news/1687258/i...e-from-harassing-ary-journalist-arshad-sharif

This is normal for these crooks. Did anyone expect any different? The good news is that all the khooni liberals, the advocates of press freedom, Bar Associations etc will come out in support Won't they?

 

[daytrader]

This is normal for these crooks. Did anyone expect any different? The good news is that all the khooni liberals, the advocates of press freedom, Bar Associations etc will come out in support Won't they?

They only come out for the likes of Matiullah Jaan, Hamid Mir and Salim Saifi

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

This is highly disturbing that many pro PTI journalist as well as social media activist are being hounded. Only question is whose giving the order, PDM or someone else?

Marriyum Aurangzeb already said that PDM will go after those spreading "fake news".

 

[daytrader]

Restrictions on freedom of expression undermine Pakistan’s ability to progress: Blinken

• Restrictions on freedom of expression of Pakistan is also a feature of the annual Human Rights Reports, says Antony Blinken.
• We’re aware of significant restrictions on media outlets and civil society more broadly in Pakistan, he says.
• I think these practices that we see undermine freedom of expression, says US Secretary of State.

Restrictions on freedom of expression undermine Pakistan’s image and its ability to progress, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was reported as saying by Geo News Wednesday.

During a press briefing on world ‘Press Freedom Day’ at the US State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US government was aware of the restrictions imposed on media outlets and civil society in Pakistan and highlighted this issue with his Pakistani counterpart.

He was reportedly responding to a question asked by a Pakistani journalist over Pakistan being among those countries in the world still considered the most dangerous place for journalists. Last year, many Pakistani journalists were killed, kidnapped, and tortured for exposing crime and corruption and criticising some of the government policies. "Has the State Department ever taken up this issue in bilateral talks with the Pakistani authorities?" the journalist asked.

“The short answer is yes, we take this up in our engagements with Pakistani counterparts. Of course, this is also a feature of the annual Human Rights Reports that we put out, and, of course, we’re aware of significant restrictions on media outlets and civil society more broadly in Pakistan,” he said.

Blinken's remarks came after a report released by a global media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders, showed that Pakistan slid from 145th position last year to 157th this year on the World Press Freedom Index.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also highlighted the importance of free media and termed it the future of any nation, saying, “A vibrant free press, an informed citizenry is key for any nation and its future, including Pakistan.”

“…and I think these practices that we see undermine freedom of expression,” he added.

Antony Blinked further said, “They undermine peaceful assembly. They undermine Pakistan’s image as well as its ability to progress. So it is something that comes up both in our direct engagements and in the work that we’re doing every day.”

https://www.geo.tv/latest/415081-re...dermine-pakistans-ability-to-progress-blinken

 

[MenInG]

Freedom of press being discussed here - please stick to the topic.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan fell 12 points on Press Freedom Index during last year of Imran Khan's govt & 18 points during his tenure. It not only earned him shameful title of "press freedom predator" but also placed our democracy in bad light. We are fully committed to freedom of press & speech!</p>— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1521786535703715840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Didn't take long, did it?

==

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated an inquiry against Bol anchorperson Sami Ibrahim for allegedly transmitting "anti-state" videos and statements on various social media platforms. Surprisingly, the inquiry also mentioned the controversial Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, which was struck down by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last month.

The FIA, in a press release issued on Sunday, accused Ibrahim of being "involved in spreading fake news regarding state institutions".

"He has made imputations which are glaring attempts to incite armed forces personnel to mutiny. He has attempted to create chaos in Pakistan through media while staying abroad," it added.

Ibrahim is a TV anchor and has interviewed a number of high-profile figures, including former prime minister Imran Khan.

The FIA said he would have an opportunity to defend himself in the inquiry which would be closed if he ably defended himself. Otherwise, the press release said, if the offence was made out then a case would be registered against him and he would be arrested and prosecuted in court.

The press release said that an Interpol red notice would be issued for him since he was abroad and his name would be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

The FIA further cautioned Pakistani-origin expatriates against "spreading chaos" in the country while abroad and warned that their social media posts must not be "offensive or seditious" otherwise action would be pursued against them.

The watchdog also issued an attendance notice to the anchor which ordered him to appear at the FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad on May 13 (Friday) at 11am to record his defence, otherwise it would be assumed that he had nothing to present in his defence and procedure under Section 174 (non*attendance in obedience to an order from public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) would be adopted against him.

The attendance notice mentioned the state as the complainant and said the inquiry was registered on May 6. It said the inquiry was being initiated under Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, (which had criminalised defamation), read with Section 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) of the PPC.

The notice said the anchor had intentionally and publicly shared an alleged video on social media in which "false and frivolous" allegations were made against senior government functionaries.

"Furthermore, you have built a narrative with ill intent to cause intimidation ... and unrest between government officials/personnel of armed forces and the general public," it added.

For his part, Ibrahim confirmed on Twitter that a case has been filed against him. He added that he had discussed the matter with his lawyer who had conveyed to the FIA that he was abroad and he would be returning to the country on May 14 (Saturday).

It is pertinent to mention here that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last month declared the Prevention of Elect*ronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance as unconstitutional and also scrapped the Peca-2016's section 20, which criminalises defamation.

The FIA had sought Section 20's restoration on Saturday by filing a petition before the Supreme Court to challenge the April 8 order of the IHC.

However, hours later Information Minis*ter Marriyum Aurangzeb announ*ced that the petition stood "withdrawn immediately" after journalists’ and media bodies expressed serious concern over the move and dema*nded immediate withdrawal of the petition.

The FIA spokesperson subsequently admitted that the appeal was filed without getting permission from the government, particularly the Ministry of Interior. “The appeal is being withdrawn immediately,” the official had confirmed to Dawn.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

Didn't take long, did it?

==

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated an inquiry against Bol anchorperson Sami Ibrahim for allegedly transmitting "anti-state" videos and statements on various social media platforms. Surprisingly, the inquiry also mentioned the controversial Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, which was struck down by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last month.

The FIA, in a press release issued on Sunday, accused Ibrahim of being "involved in spreading fake news regarding state institutions".

"He has made imputations which are glaring attempts to incite armed forces personnel to mutiny. He has attempted to create chaos in Pakistan through media while staying abroad," it added.

Ibrahim is a TV anchor and has interviewed a number of high-profile figures, including former prime minister Imran Khan.

The FIA said he would have an opportunity to defend himself in the inquiry which would be closed if he ably defended himself. Otherwise, the press release said, if the offence was made out then a case would be registered against him and he would be arrested and prosecuted in court.

The press release said that an Interpol red notice would be issued for him since he was abroad and his name would be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

The FIA further cautioned Pakistani-origin expatriates against "spreading chaos" in the country while abroad and warned that their social media posts must not be "offensive or seditious" otherwise action would be pursued against them.

The watchdog also issued an attendance notice to the anchor which ordered him to appear at the FIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad on May 13 (Friday) at 11am to record his defence, otherwise it would be assumed that he had nothing to present in his defence and procedure under Section 174 (non*attendance in obedience to an order from public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) would be adopted against him.

The attendance notice mentioned the state as the complainant and said the inquiry was registered on May 6. It said the inquiry was being initiated under Section 20 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, (which had criminalised defamation), read with Section 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) of the PPC.

The notice said the anchor had intentionally and publicly shared an alleged video on social media in which "false and frivolous" allegations were made against senior government functionaries.

"Furthermore, you have built a narrative with ill intent to cause intimidation ... and unrest between government officials/personnel of armed forces and the general public," it added.

For his part, Ibrahim confirmed on Twitter that a case has been filed against him. He added that he had discussed the matter with his lawyer who had conveyed to the FIA that he was abroad and he would be returning to the country on May 14 (Saturday).

It is pertinent to mention here that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last month declared the Prevention of Elect*ronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance as unconstitutional and also scrapped the Peca-2016's section 20, which criminalises defamation.

The FIA had sought Section 20's restoration on Saturday by filing a petition before the Supreme Court to challenge the April 8 order of the IHC.

However, hours later Information Minis*ter Marriyum Aurangzeb announ*ced that the petition stood "withdrawn immediately" after journalists’ and media bodies expressed serious concern over the move and dema*nded immediate withdrawal of the petition.

The FIA spokesperson subsequently admitted that the appeal was filed without getting permission from the government, particularly the Ministry of Interior. “The appeal is being withdrawn immediately,” the official had confirmed to Dawn.

DAWN

Sethi said much worse. He gave what can only be described as state secrets with his predictions which if true should lead to Bajwa being jailed and if not true, Sethi bring jailed. Which of these will the FIA investigate

 

[daytrader]

Witch hunt is on

FBR serves notice on journalist Imran Riaz Khan for income tax audit

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has picked the case of anchor person Imran Riaz Khan asking for income tax audit.

Document available with this scribe state that Commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-II Noman Malik has served notice on Imran Riaz Khan with regard to selection of case for audit u/s 177 of the income tax ordinance , 2001 for the tax year 2020.

“You have filed return of total income for the year under reference declaring income at Rs 15.5 million and your case for the Tax Year 2020 has been selected for audit of your income tax affairs u/s 177 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 for the following reasons,” the notice reads.

It further says that as per Wealth Statement, the anchor person has declared liabilities amounting to Rs. 25.4 million.

“Whether the said amount was received through crossed cheque or not needs to be looked into in view of the provisions of Section 39(3) & 34(5) of the of Income Tax Ordinance. 2001,” the notice reads.

The notice states that Khan has declared residential property ‘Plot No 65 Millat Tractors Employees Society – Residential Plot 2 /Canals Lahore’ amounting to Rs 36.5 million, however, in the tax year 2021 he declared “65 , 66 Millat Tractors Housing Society Lahore – Residential House Constructed” at Rs. 32.5 million.

“It clearly transpires that despite addition in property No 66 and cost of construction, calculation of the property has been reduced. This aspect needs to be verified u/s 111 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 for concealment of cost and construction expenses,” the notice reads.

The notice reads that Khan has added 72 kanals of agricultural land situated at ‘Moza Ratni Wal Tehsil Ferozewala’ District Sheikhupura amounting to Rs 7.4 million.

“This needs to be checked whether the said agricultural property is declared at cost in accordance with regard to Section 76 of Income Tax Ordinance. 2001”.

“You have declared agricultural land- but no agricultural income has been declared for the year, which needs to be verified”, the notice mentions.

“The Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue concerned shall contact you for conducting Audit before May 15, 2022 and it is hoped that you will fully cooperate with the Audit proceedings. Please be assured that if no discrepancy is observed, the audit proceedings would be dropped without hesitation,” the notice added.

When contacted, Imran Riaz Khan said that he has not received the notice as yet as it may have been dropped at his old address.

“My address is updated in My ID card,” he added.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...rnalist-imran-riaz-khan-for-income-tax-audit/

 

[Bewal Express]

Witch hunt is on

FBR serves notice on journalist Imran Riaz Khan for income tax audit

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has picked the case of anchor person Imran Riaz Khan asking for income tax audit.

Document available with this scribe state that Commissioner Inland Revenue Zone-II Noman Malik has served notice on Imran Riaz Khan with regard to selection of case for audit u/s 177 of the income tax ordinance , 2001 for the tax year 2020.

“You have filed return of total income for the year under reference declaring income at Rs 15.5 million and your case for the Tax Year 2020 has been selected for audit of your income tax affairs u/s 177 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 for the following reasons,” the notice reads.

It further says that as per Wealth Statement, the anchor person has declared liabilities amounting to Rs. 25.4 million.

“Whether the said amount was received through crossed cheque or not needs to be looked into in view of the provisions of Section 39(3) & 34(5) of the of Income Tax Ordinance. 2001,” the notice reads.

The notice states that Khan has declared residential property ‘Plot No 65 Millat Tractors Employees Society – Residential Plot 2 /Canals Lahore’ amounting to Rs 36.5 million, however, in the tax year 2021 he declared “65 , 66 Millat Tractors Housing Society Lahore – Residential House Constructed” at Rs. 32.5 million.

“It clearly transpires that despite addition in property No 66 and cost of construction, calculation of the property has been reduced. This aspect needs to be verified u/s 111 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 for concealment of cost and construction expenses,” the notice reads.

The notice reads that Khan has added 72 kanals of agricultural land situated at ‘Moza Ratni Wal Tehsil Ferozewala’ District Sheikhupura amounting to Rs 7.4 million.

“This needs to be checked whether the said agricultural property is declared at cost in accordance with regard to Section 76 of Income Tax Ordinance. 2001”.

“You have declared agricultural land- but no agricultural income has been declared for the year, which needs to be verified”, the notice mentions.

“The Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue concerned shall contact you for conducting Audit before May 15, 2022 and it is hoped that you will fully cooperate with the Audit proceedings. Please be assured that if no discrepancy is observed, the audit proceedings would be dropped without hesitation,” the notice added.

When contacted, Imran Riaz Khan said that he has not received the notice as yet as it may have been dropped at his old address.

“My address is updated in My ID card,” he added.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...rnalist-imran-riaz-khan-for-income-tax-audit/

So after the threats to him from the Generals, this comes along. Where are all the Free speech aunties and Uncles. Imran Riaz has a huge following and nothing will dent that, and as always they will look silly and backtrack. He isnt a lifafa because if he was, he would be having the 32 course meal with SS or doing Sarkari Umrah along with Saleem Lifafi and others.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Monday issued directives to all satellite TV channels to refrain from airing content against state institutions.

“It has been observed that a few satellite TV channels are airing content which tantamounts to casting aspersions against state institutions, i.e. armed forces and judiciary,” the statement issued by the regulatory authority noted.

It mentioned that airing of such content violates the directives issued by the Authority, provisions of PEMRA Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct 2015 and the principles laid down by the Superior Courts.

“… all satellite TV channel licensees are hereby directed to follow the principles laid down in the judgement of the Supreme Court of Pakistan passed in suo moto case no 28 of 2018 and the judgement of the Islamabad High Court passed in Criminal Original No 270/2019 dated 25-11-2019 and ensure strict compliance to the relevant provisions of PEMRA laws,” the statement read.

According to the statement following are the provisions:

Section 20(f) of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007:
A person who is issued a licence under this Ordinance shall comply with the codes of programmes and advertisements approved by the authority and appoint an in-house monitoring committee, under intimation to the authority, to ensure compliance with the code.

Rule 15(1) PEMRA Rules:
The contents of the programmes and advertisements which are broadcast or distributed by the broadcast media or distribution service operator shall conform to the provisions of Section 20 of the Ordinance, these rules, the code set out in the Schedule-A and the terms and conditions of the licence.

Provisions of Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisements) Code of Conduct 2015:
3(16). Fundamental principles:- The licensee shall ensure that no content is aired which contains aspersions against the judiciary or armed forces of Pakistan.

4. News and current affairs programmes:- The licensee shall ensure that programmes on sub-judice matters may be aired in an informative manner and shall be handled objectively:

Provided that no content shall be aired, which tends to prejudice the determination by a court, tribunal or any other judicial or quasi-judicial forum.

The authority further directed all satellite TV channels to ensure that an effective Time Delay Mechanism is put in place and an impartial and independent editorial board be constituted as required under Clause 17 of the Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct 2015 in order to ensure that their platform is not used by anyone for uttering contemptuous remarks in any manner whatsoever against any state institutions.

“In case of any violation observed legal action under Section 27, 29, 30 and 33 of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act, 2007 shall be initiated,” it warned.

GEO

 

[Hermoine Green]

Sami Abrahim has been summoned by FIA, funny thing is FIA mentioned PECA rules in their letter (and PECA was abolished by Courts )

Also, MaddywithKhan has also been summoned by FIA, she is been accused of spreading fake information about Armed forces which is entirely wrong.

2 PTI SM guys are already arrested.

Free speech is no more under this PDM. Many journalists are already fired by their respective channels.

 

[Bewal Express]

Sami Abrahim has been summoned by FIA, funny thing is FIA mentioned PECA rules in their letter (and PECA was abolished by Courts )

Also, MaddywithKhan has also been summoned by FIA, she is been accused of spreading fake information about Armed forces which is entirely wrong.

2 PTI SM guys are already arrested.

Free speech is no more under this PDM. Many journalists are already fired by their respective channels.

And Sethi is free to say what he wants.

 

[MenInG]

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Monday warned private electronic media against airing content against the country's armed forces and judiciary.

"It has been observed that a few satellite TV channels are airing content which tantamounts to casting aspersions against state institutions i.e. armed forces and judiciary," the regulatory authority said in its directives posted on its Twitter handle.

"Airing such content violated Pemra rules, provisions of the Pemra Electronic Media (Programmes and Advertisement) Code of Conduct 2015 and the principles laid down by the superior courts," it added.

The statement said that the freedom of speech and expression were fundamental rights, they were subject to "reasonable restrictions" imposed by the law in the interest of Islam, the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to the contempt of court or incitement to an offence.

In compliance with the relevant Pemra laws and regulations, any entity that is granted a licence by the authority should comply with its codes of programmes and advertisements and appoint an in-house monitoring committee to ensure compliance, it added.

"Moreover, all satellite TV channels are further directed to ensure that an effective time-delay mechanism be put in place and an impartial and independent editorial board be constituted ... in order to ensure that their platform is not used by anyone for uttering contemptuous remarks in any manner whatsoever against any state institutions," the media watchdog said.

It warned that legal action under the relevant laws would be pursued in case of any "violation".

Earlier in the day, while responding to a question during question hour in the National Assembly, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Pemra has established an effective mechanism to check the code of conduct on TV and Radio broadcasts.

She said that all Pemra licencees are obliged to comply with the Pemra laws in letter and spirit. She said a council of complaints has been established at each provincial headquarters to resolve the grievances of the public about any aspect of content being aired on private electronic media.

The info minister also said surprise visits are also conducted by Pemra field teams to ascertain violations committed by cable TV operators across the country.

She said that Pemra has also issued guidelines for dramas, morning shows and Ramazan transmission.

Express Tribune

 

[Hermoine Green]

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=21699]Pakpak[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION] [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION]

This is OUR so called journalism

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">لکھ دی —ہے ایسی صحافت پر۔ یہ صحافت نہیں لفافہ گروپ ہے جس میں تنقید بھی پوچھ کر کی جا رہی ہے۔ پوچھ رہے ہیں بتا دیں کتنی تنقید کرنی ہے شہباز شریف پر واہ۔ <a href="https://twitter.com/FrontlineKamran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FrontlineKamran</a>کامران جی آپ کے بیٹھے ہوئے یہ بات ہوئی آپکو اٹھ جانا چاہے تھا ہنسنے کی بجائے احتجاج <a href="https://t.co/gvv0ehRdb6">pic.twitter.com/gvv0ehRdb6</a></p>— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SHABAZGIL/status/1523950221990182915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[DRsohail]

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=21699]Pakpak[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION] [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION]

This is OUR so called journalism

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ur" dir="rtl">لکھ دی —ہے ایسی صحافت پر۔ یہ صحافت نہیں لفافہ گروپ ہے جس میں تنقید بھی پوچھ کر کی جا رہی ہے۔ پوچھ رہے ہیں بتا دیں کتنی تنقید کرنی ہے شہباز شریف پر واہ۔ <a href="https://twitter.com/FrontlineKamran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FrontlineKamran</a>کامران جی آپ کے بیٹھے ہوئے یہ بات ہوئی آپکو اٹھ جانا چاہے تھا ہنسنے کی بجائے احتجاج <a href="https://t.co/gvv0ehRdb6">pic.twitter.com/gvv0ehRdb6</a></p>— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SHABAZGIL/status/1523950221990182915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Lol, pathetic mad b gherat people

 

[wasim-fan]

I would be super surprised if this will materialize. He is looking to become a martyr. Smart politics would suggest to not give him that leverage.

 

[Bewal Express]

I would be super surprised if this will materialize. He is looking to become a martyr. Smart politics would suggest to not give him that leverage.

3 weeks in and Nooras back to their old ways. They are just desperate and they have 90% of the media with them. Just imagine if they had 90% against them Like IK did.

 

[MenInG]

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday restrained the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from harassing social media activist of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and issued a stay order against the arrest of anchorperson Sami Abraham.

PTI’s activist Mariam Malik and anchorperson Abraham were facing inquiries for criticising state institutions.

Interestingly, advocate Imaan Zainaib Hazir Mazari, who was mostly pleading the cases of journalists registered under controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) ordinance promulgated by the previous PTI government and Section 20 of Peca that criminalised the defamation, appeared to defend Ms Malik.

She disclosed this during the vlog of senior journalist Matiullah Jan. She explained the reason for engaging Mazari as lawyer for her expertise in handling cases registered under Peca.

She said that even the lawyers belonging to PTI recommended her to file the petition through advocate Mazari.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah took up the petition and inquired from Mazari reason for this change.

She replied that since the FIA did not stop practice of harassing citizen in this regime and continued to send notices to the social media activists, therefore, she is defending the PTI’s activist against the alleged highhandedness of the investigation agency.

She argued that the FIA sent a notice to Ms Malik and the official of the investigation agency visited her residence as well.

Justice Minallah issued notice to the FIA and sought the reply till May 31.

The court stopped FIA from harassing Ms Malik and her family members and suspended the FIA’s notice till said date.

Sami Abraham case

Justice Minallah restrained FIA from arresting anchorperson Sami Abraham till May 16.

The court also summoned director FIA’s Cyber Crimes Wing (CCW) to appear on the said date.

The FIA has initiated proceeding against Abraham for allegedly transmitting anti-state videos and statements on various social media platforms, including regarding the army and judiciary.

The FIA claimed that Mr Abraham was involved in spreading fake news regarding state institutions.

Abraham is currently in the US, hence, his mother filed the petition before the IHC through advocate Raja Amir Abbas.

Justice Minallah inquired the counsel for Abraham the reason for initiation of the inquiry.

The CJ remarked that many journalists were apparently not doing fair journalism.

The counsel for Abraham told the court that his client will return to Pakistan on May 16.

He said that the FIA’s notice did not mention name of any complainant and the agency accused him for inciting mutiny within army. The court, however, issued a restraining order and adjourned further hearing till May 16.

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2022

 

[Bewal Express]

Geo, which is the Mafia front is now openly threatening Imran Riaz Khan and others. Imported fascists want to kill people

 

[Hermoine Green]

Geo, which is the Mafia front is now openly threatening Imran Riaz Khan and others. Imported fascists want to kill people

Also FIA is looking for SiasatPk team member Adeel as well.

Badmashi is everywhere.

 

[Hermoine Green]

So DAWN news reporter Fahad Hussain has been appointed as Special Advisor to CM Shehbaz,

This is injustice with Hamid Mir, Saalem Safi, Gharidah ...
[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION]

 

[MenInG]

So DAWN news reporter Fahad Hussain has been appointed as Special Advisor to CM Shehbaz,

This is injustice with Hamid Mir, Saalem Safi, Gharidah ...
[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION]

For ref:

Senior journalist and columnist Fahd Hussain has been appointed as special assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a notification issued on Friday said.

The Cabinet Division issued the notification following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's approval.

“The Prime Minister, in terms of rule 4(6) of Rules of Business, 1973, has been pleased to appoint Syed Fahd Hussain as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister with the status of Federal Minister, with immediate effect,” read a notification issued by cabinet division.

Hussain is a prominent journalist, who has previously worked with several local publications, including The News, Express Tribune, and Daily Dawn.

 

[Hermoine Green]

For ref:

Senior journalist and columnist Fahd Hussain has been appointed as special assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a notification issued on Friday said.

The Cabinet Division issued the notification following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's approval.

“The Prime Minister, in terms of rule 4(6) of Rules of Business, 1973, has been pleased to appoint Syed Fahd Hussain as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister with the status of Federal Minister, with immediate effect,” read a notification issued by cabinet division.

Hussain is a prominent journalist, who has previously worked with several local publications, including The News, Express Tribune, and Daily Dawn.

Journalists shouldnt be given any position in Govt, it is because Media claims that we are neutral, we promote the good and we oppose the bad. If they will involve their self in Govt, so what should we call them then? A journalist, or a Govt guy?

Whenever PMLN come in power, they always give high positions to media persons to strengthen their media game.

 

[Bewal Express]

For ref:

Senior journalist and columnist Fahd Hussain has been appointed as special assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a notification issued on Friday said.

The Cabinet Division issued the notification following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's approval.

“The Prime Minister, in terms of rule 4(6) of Rules of Business, 1973, has been pleased to appoint Syed Fahd Hussain as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister with the status of Federal Minister, with immediate effect,” read a notification issued by cabinet division.

Hussain is a prominent journalist, who has previously worked with several local publications, including The News, Express Tribune, and Daily Dawn.

Son in Law of Sethi isnt a journalist, they are Noora Reps and thankfully its in the open. Corrupt media looks for $$$$$$$.

 

[Bewal Express]

So DAWN news reporter Fahad Hussain has been appointed as Special Advisor to CM Shehbaz,

This is injustice with Hamid Mir, Saalem Safi, Gharidah ...
[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION]

Not a surprise- read his rubbish and you can see who pays his bills

 

[Mamoon]

PTI supporters crying about media freedom when their government refused to cover PTM rallies. )

 

[DRsohail]

PTI supporters crying about media freedom when their government refused to cover PTM rallies. )

Ok what was PTM? Their motives?

 

[DRsohail]

So DAWN news reporter Fahad Hussain has been appointed as Special Advisor to CM Shehbaz,

This is injustice with Hamid Mir, Saalem Safi, Gharidah ...
[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION]

Few of the posters also need to bie given some jobs lol.They are doing everything wrong at this time and PDM is sinking quickly.

 

[Bewal Express]

PTI supporters crying about media freedom when their government refused to cover PTM rallies. )

The fact that social has made your plans redundant is funny. Millions are coming out and no matter how much you pay Dawn, Jang and Geo,it makes no difference. Journalists are being threatened by your fascists and these are the real fascists. We are under Millitary rule and not a word from you about civilian rule. This shows that all your bleating about the Generals( who are in full control now), Mullahs( Diesel is a a big part of the sazish) and media( totally brought with public money) was total guff. You are and always were a hypocrite. I have never humiliated anyone as much as you and the reason is that you are a munafiq. No principles, no beliefs.

 

[Hermoine Green]

PTI supporters crying about media freedom when their government refused to cover PTM rallies. )

Yeah media freedowm, where journalists are threatened openly, where journalists are being taken by FIA at mid nights. Freedom where journos asking CM to make whatsapp group for us )

Oh forgot, same freedom due to which FIA threatening social media posters as well.

Aaahh Mamoona, there was a time when you were a troll, but you were making some sense at some times. But now ? Well you are still a troll whose dead brain cells needs some therapy

Chalo, now you will run away from this thread too, seems running is now your siggi same like your beloved leaders

 

[Hermoine Green]

Ok what was PTM? Their motives?

Leave man, i remember how Mamoon ran away from PTM Thread too

Hazrat Ali RA says " And ignorant will drag you to their low level, and will beat you there"

 

[Hermoine Green]

Media freedom : Police has raided Ayesha Adil Sheikh (Social media person) house, for posting tweets in favour of Imran Khan.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Another, M. Waqas Amjad has received letter from FIA.

Seriously, it seems FIA has only one job, and that is to send letters to all PTI supporters at twitter.

 

[Bewal Express]

Another, M. Waqas Amjad has received letter from FIA.

Seriously, it seems FIA has only one job, and that is to send letters to all PTI supporters at twitter.

As the role of the FIA has been down graded to a media watch dog. There was a time when it started to fight money laundering but that didn't sit too well with the Crime Minister and his ladla

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Yeah media freedowm, where journalists are threatened openly, where journalists are being taken by FIA at mid nights. Freedom where journos asking CM to make whatsapp group for us )

Oh forgot, same freedom due to which FIA threatening social media posters as well.

Aaahh Mamoona, there was a time when you were a troll, but you were making some sense at some times. But now ? Well you are still a troll whose dead brain cells needs some therapy

Chalo, now you will run away from this thread too, seems running is now your siggi same like your beloved leaders

His beloved leaders reside in Mumbai.

As the role of the FIA has been down graded to a media watch dog. There was a time when it started to fight money laundering but that didn't sit too well with the Crime Minister and his ladla

 

[Hermoine Green]

Freedom of Press

PMLN advertisement at OUR money.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Also, i am seeing these images at every news channel and website as well.

PMLN back to their Media game, feeding them billions.

 

[MenInG]

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has called PTI chairman Imran Khan and ARY News a ‘fitna’ (evil) after ARY news shared Imran Ismail’s tweet against PM Shehbaz Shareef, ARY News reported.

The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader took to Twitter to criticise former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ARY News and called them a ‘fitna’ (evil).

The PML-N leader lost her cool after ARY news shared news about PTI leader Imran Ismail’s tweet against Shehbaz Shareef.

Former Governor Sindh Imran Ismail on Tuesday shared a video reportedly from the Prime Minister’s house. He claimed that the Prime Minister had ordered to renovate of the swimming pool inside the Prime Minister’s house with a hefty amount of Rs70 million.

He wrote, “The country is near bankruptcy but the Prime Minister has spent Rs70 million on the renovation of a swimming pool.”

The PML-N leader said, “PEMRA & government must take immediate action against ARY. ARY & Imran, both should be dealt with like Fitnas (evils).”

Talking to ARY News exclusively Imran Ismail said that he stands by his news and can share more videos to prove it.

ARY

 

[Bewal Express]

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz has called PTI chairman Imran Khan and ARY News a ‘fitna’ (evil) after ARY news shared Imran Ismail’s tweet against PM Shehbaz Shareef, ARY News reported.

The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader took to Twitter to criticise former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ARY News and called them a ‘fitna’ (evil).

The PML-N leader lost her cool after ARY news shared news about PTI leader Imran Ismail’s tweet against Shehbaz Shareef.

Former Governor Sindh Imran Ismail on Tuesday shared a video reportedly from the Prime Minister’s house. He claimed that the Prime Minister had ordered to renovate of the swimming pool inside the Prime Minister’s house with a hefty amount of Rs70 million.

He wrote, “The country is near bankruptcy but the Prime Minister has spent Rs70 million on the renovation of a swimming pool.”

The PML-N leader said, “PEMRA & government must take immediate action against ARY. ARY & Imran, both should be dealt with like Fitnas (evils).”

Talking to ARY News exclusively Imran Ismail said that he stands by his news and can share more videos to prove it.

ARY

Holidays to London, Trips to Saudi, huge payoffs to media supporters, Swimming pools, and all this when the economy has crashed.

 

[Hermoine Green]

And Maryam Nawaz Sharif is again using dirty language against ARY )

 

[MenInG]

RAWALPINDI: The Attock police have filed a defamation case against journalist Sami Ibrahim, accusing him of making false allegations, attempting to seduce a security employee from his duty.

The police filed a case against Mr Ibrahim under section 505, 131 and 499 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deal with statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred, attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty.

The FIR was based on a complaint by Akhtar Javaid advocate, a resident of Attock city, who said he viewed ‘Canadian Pak News’, a Youtube channel of Mr Ibrahim, a resident of Lahore, two weeks ago.

“He gave his opinion in his vlog against right of speech with bad attention and used obnoxious words against judiciary and armed forces.’

The complainant said in the FIR that the suspect had hatched a conspiracy and spread rumours against state institutions.

The complainant asked the police to take legal action against the suspect.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2022

 

[Hermoine Green]

Freedom of press : FIR has been filed against Arshad Sharif.

 

[Hermoine Green]

After Arshad Sharif, an fire has been lodged against Sabir Shakir alos.

Freedom of press MashAllah [MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]

In think in coming days, an fir will be filed against whole Pakistan.

 

[Bewal Express]

Freedom of press : FIR has been filed against Arshad Sharif.

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION]
Can you tell us about the freedom of the press. You have 90% of the paid media with you and you know why and you can't bare the freedom of the 10%

 

[DRsohail]

After Arshad Sharif, an fire has been lodged against Sabir Shakir alos.

Freedom of press MashAllah [MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION] [MENTION=140234]DRsohail[/MENTION] [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]

In think in coming days, an fir will be filed against whole Pakistan.

Would not work, mark my words it will be counterproductive.

 

[MenInG]

Police on Friday raided the residence of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA and ‘Fixit’ founder Alamgir Khan and booked him over "provocative wall-chalking against state institutions" within the precincts of the city’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighbourhood.

A heavy contingent of police raided Khan’s house located in Gulshan Block-7 late on Friday night, Express News reported.

The personnel questioned his family members and the house help about the activist’s whereabouts, but left after they couldn't find him inside the house.

Soon after, a large number of PTI leaders, MNAs, MPAs and general workers reached Khan’s residence and chanted slogans against police.

Speaking on the occasion, MPA Arsalan Taj claimed that at least 25 mobiles were involved in the raid and that the law enforcement agency shoved Alamgir's servants to "barge inside".

He further said that the PTI strongly condemned the raid, saying some 'suspicious persons' were seen around the house a day earlier, questioning the house help.

Taj further claimed that when they contacted police to check on the suspicious activity, they were told that there was a law and order situation in the city.

The PTI leaders also submitted a written report of the suspicious activity around the house.

Express Tribune

 

[daytrader]

IHC grants bail to TV anchor booked for ‘sedition
FIRs filed against Arshad Sharif, Sabir Shakir and Sami Ibrahim on charges of inciting ‘antistate’ sentiments

ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Saturday granted a protective bail until Monday to ARY’s anchor Arshad Sharif.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah heard the case against the anchor who had earlier ordered Inspector General Police (IG) Islamabad and DIG Islamabad to assist in presenting Arshad at the hearing at 11:30pm.

The order came after a spate of mysterious first information reports (FIRs) emerged against journalists – Arshad Sharif, Sabir Shakir and Sami Ibrahim – on Saturday over charges of sedition and peddling “anti-state” narrative.

The cases against the journalists were filed with police in several districts of Sindh and Balochistan with similar pattern and complaints.

The FIRs, filed by residents of the districts, alleged that the journalists were stoking anti-national sentiments by maligning Pakistan Army and state institutions.

A case against ARY News anchor Arshad Sharif was registered at a B-section police station in Hyderabad.
“His remarks during Matiullah Jan’s show come under section 505, 153, and 131 of the penal laws,” the police said adding that the case has been registered at the complaint of a citizen named Tayyab Hussain.

The complainant alleged that the anchor, during one of his shows, heaped scorn on the military with his allusions to Mir Jaffer and Mir Sadiq.

Interestingly, another journalist affiliated with the news network, Sabir Shakir, was booked by Mirpur Khas police under similar charges, citing his remarks critical of state institutions.

The case was filed on the complaint of a citizen named Mahmood Hassan under sections 154, 505 and 131 at Mehran police station.

It is pertinent to note that the cases against the three journalists are in tandem with other similar arrests and attacks on journalists who espouse a certain view in the wake of recent political crisis. Earlier in April, anchorperson Moeed Pirzada had alleged that men in plainclothes, purportedly from the Federal Investigation Agency, had barged into Arshad Sharif’s house and harassed his family. Consequently, Arshad Sharif had filed a petition in Islamabad High Court, which barred FIA and capital police to stop harassing anchorperson and any other journalist.

The order said that according to Sharif’s counsel Faisal Chaudhry, he was instructed by the anchor last night to approach the court since “he was being harassed”. “People went to Arshad Sharif’s house in civil uniform last night. I have not been in direct contact with Arshad Sharif since last night,” the lawyer said. He said that “illegal actions” were also being initiated against fellow ARY News anchor Sabir Shakir.

‘Striking the raw nerve’

The FIRs registered against the three journalists, all under similar charges and a similar pattern, elicited alarms from the rights activists, journalists and politicians who condemned the “attempt to muzzle press”.

Alarmed by what appeared like a “coordinated attempt” to quell dissent, the journalists and activists noted that those who used to be in the good books of the powers that be have suddenly become the “enemies of the state” for striking their “raw nerve”.

Journalist Mehr Tarar tweeted: “One after the other, the most vocal critics of those who shall not be named are being punished. FIRs and arrests will not mute the voices of protest and truth. In solidarity with @arsched.”

Journalist Ajmal Jami took to Twitter and vehemently condemned the FIRs as the “height of fascism”.

“Height of fascism in the age of democracy to register a frivolous FIR against senior journalist @arsched Sahib. These tactics won’t help the govt at all. Utterly ridiculous ploy,” he said.

“Stay strong Arshad Sahib. All journalists should condemn this outrightly.”

Meanwhile, PTI leader and former information minister said Sindh under PPP has become “a new epic centre of Thana Culture”, deploring that political opponents were harassed and tortured.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2357792/ihc-grants-bail-to-tv-anchor-booked-for-sedition

 

[Hermoine Green]

And now FIR registered against Imran Riaz Khan.

Ridiculous behavior by current Govt.

What next? Register an FIR against [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] ? )

 

[Bewal Express]

And now FIR registered against Imran Riaz Khan.

Ridiculous behavior by current Govt.

What next? Register an FIR against [MENTION=93712]MenInG[/MENTION] ? )

[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION]
Is this the level of your crooks.

 

[Major]

Wonder if all these posters caring anout freedom of speech also stood up when hamid mir and talat hussain were taken off air

 

[Hermoine Green]

[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION]
Is this the level of your crooks.

Today another FIR has been filed against Arshad Sharif )

Govt has gone mad.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I strongly condemn the political victimisation of journalists Arshad Sharif, Sami Ibrahim, Imran Riaz Khan through fake FIRs by the Imported government brought in through US regime change conspiracy. This is absolutely unacceptable.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1528374042079727618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

I feel this govt is on its knees.

This is the problem with coalition of thieves

 

[MenInG]

The police in Thatta on Sunday lodged a case against ExpressNews anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan for a range of offences, including criticising state institutions and abetting mutiny.

The journalist was booked at Thatta's Dhabeji police station under Sections 131 (incitement to mutiny), 153 (provoking to cause riot), 452 (trespassing) and 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

According to the first information report (FIR), a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the complainant had heard Imran Riaz allegedly “fuming” against the army and the institutions in a "derogatory and provocative language" on social media.

“I am a patriotic citizen and I am shocked and hurt by the manner in which anchor Imran Riaz Khan has spoken on social media against Pakistan Army and state institutions,” the FIR read.

Shady criminal record

Interestingly, according to the record with the Thatta’s police itself, the complainant, who identified as Aashiq Ali Qureshi, is a gutka seller and has been booked for the same under relevant sections on at least 10 several occasions over the past seven years.

Read more: IHC grants bail to TV anchor booked for ‘sedition

The Express Tribune accessed the record which showed that from 2015 to 2022, ten cases have been registered against the man in several police stations across the district for selling hazardous chewing tobacco.

He has faced cases under Sections 270 of Pakistan Penal Code (malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), Section 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life)

The record exposed that a case was also registered against him under Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty).

Moreover, it was noticed that the application was conspicuously incomplete and "dubious" as the man had neither shared his complete address nor his phone number.

'Political retaliation'

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan condemned the filing of FIRs against the journalists and branded it "political retaliation". He alleged that the government was behind the "fake FIRs" and said it was "absolutely unacceptable"

It is pertinent to note that the case against ExpressNews anchorperson Imran Riaz Khan is the latest in a series of FIRs spawning across the country, levying similar charges including sedition.

The consistent pattern has elicited alarms from the journalists and rights activists who allege that the "tactic" is being employed to limit free speech and chill news reporting.

A day earlier, a spate of mysterious first information reports (FIRs) emerged against journalists – Arshad Sharif, Sabir Shakir and Sami Ibrahim – on Saturday over charges of sedition and peddling an “anti-state” narrative.

The FIRs, filed by residents of the districts, alleged that the journalists were stoking anti-national sentiments by maligning Pakistan Army and state institutions.

A case against ARY News anchor Arshad Sharif was registered at a B-section police station in Hyderabad. However, the Lahore High Court (LHC) granted him protective bail.

Another FIR in Dadu, registered on Friday under PPC Sections 131, 153 and 505, mentioned Sharif and fellow ARY News journalist Sabir Shakir.

It said that "derogatory language" was directed at state institutions, adding that the two were inciting people against the army and state institutions.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday accepted journalist Imran Riaz Khan's plea for protective bail after multiple sedition cases were registered against him.

Several cases have been lodged against senior journalists including Khan, Arshad Sharif and Sabir Shakir for allegedly spreading hate against army and state institutions.

Subsequently, Khan filed two petitions with the LHC through his lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq. He also posted on his Twitter account that he had been granted bail.


Justice Tariq Nadeem and Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz separately heard the petitions. The former granted the journalist protective bail of four days while the latter granted it till May 31.

In the petitions, the journalist said that he was currently residing in Lahore.

"The petitioner is apprehending his arrest while approaching the local District and Sessions Court of Thatha/Nawabshah for the purpose of surrendering before the court of law and seeking bail before arrest to defend the bogus, baseless allegation leveled against the petitioner and to join the investigation to prove his innocence during the course of investigation," they stated.

They said that Khan had approached the LHC for the grant of pre-arrest protective bail for "a reasonable time prior to reaching in Thatta/Nawabshah and to save himself from any irreparable loss in terms of his arrest despite that the case is absolutely false [...]."

They added that Khan was innocent and had committed no offence.

Speaking to the media outside the LHC, the journalist stated that under the law, only a single FIR can be registered against a single offence. "Register one case, I will face it. Add as many sections as you want to add to it," he said.

Khan noted that the motive behind registering cases at different police stations across the country was merely to ensure that the accused person is running around in circles.

Provinces barred from remanding Sharif, Ibrahim and Pirzada into custody
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) barred provincial authorities from remanding Sharif, Sami Ibrahim and Moeed Pirzada in their custody without the court's permission.

The court issued notices to the interior secretary, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon to submit their responses. The latter two were also instructed to ensure that custody of the journalists was not handed over to a province without the court's permission.

Furthermore, the IHC summoned details of cases filed against journalists across the country and sought the opinion of the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

The court also declared the two organisations as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the case

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah was presiding over a hearing for petitions filed by the trio of journalists in order to obtain protective bails. The chief justice remarked that journalists were being targeted in the country for the past three years.

"Things will get better by themselves when the institutions play their role according to the law. This court can only grant security bail," he said.

The chief justice asked Sharif to explain why cases were being registered against him. Sharif responded that he was being told he would be "taught a lesson", booked in cases all over the country, abducted and made "an example" in the country.

IHCJA President Saqib Bashir, when summoned to the rostrum, said that Sharif, Ibrahim and Khan were facing threats of a "serious nature".

Meanwhile, Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, the lawyer for the journalists, said that his clients were being booked across the country and asked the court how they could appear before the court to defend themselves.

He requested the court to transfer the various cases registered in the country to Islamabad, to which Justice Minallah said that it was not in the IHC's jurisdiction to decide on a case in another district.

Subsequently, Chaudhry pleaded that an order be passed to pre-empt Sharif's "illegal arrest". He also added cases were also being filed against lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari — who had criticised the military leadership following her mother's arrest on Saturday — in other cities.

The court observed that the IHC was bound by its jurisdiction and only the Supreme Court could look into matters from all over the country.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned to May 30.

Senior journalists booked in sedition cases
It had emerged on Sunday that cases were registered against Khan, Shakir and Sharif for allegedly criticising state institutions and “abetting mutiny”.

The first information report (FIR) against Khan, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, was registered in Thatta's Dhabeji police station under Sections 131 (incitement to mutiny), 153 (provoking to cause riot), 452 (trespassing) and 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The FIR said that the complainant had heard Khan talking against the army and the institutions in a "derogatory and provocative language" on social media.

DAWN

 

[Bewal Express]

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday accepted journalist Imran Riaz Khan's plea for protective bail after multiple sedition cases were registered against him.

Several cases have been lodged against senior journalists including Khan, Arshad Sharif and Sabir Shakir for allegedly spreading hate against army and state institutions.

Subsequently, Khan filed two petitions with the LHC through his lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq. He also posted on his Twitter account that he had been granted bail.


Justice Tariq Nadeem and Justice Chaudhry Abdul Aziz separately heard the petitions. The former granted the journalist protective bail of four days while the latter granted it till May 31.

In the petitions, the journalist said that he was currently residing in Lahore.

"The petitioner is apprehending his arrest while approaching the local District and Sessions Court of Thatha/Nawabshah for the purpose of surrendering before the court of law and seeking bail before arrest to defend the bogus, baseless allegation leveled against the petitioner and to join the investigation to prove his innocence during the course of investigation," they stated.

They said that Khan had approached the LHC for the grant of pre-arrest protective bail for "a reasonable time prior to reaching in Thatta/Nawabshah and to save himself from any irreparable loss in terms of his arrest despite that the case is absolutely false [...]."

They added that Khan was innocent and had committed no offence.

Speaking to the media outside the LHC, the journalist stated that under the law, only a single FIR can be registered against a single offence. "Register one case, I will face it. Add as many sections as you want to add to it," he said.

Khan noted that the motive behind registering cases at different police stations across the country was merely to ensure that the accused person is running around in circles.

Provinces barred from remanding Sharif, Ibrahim and Pirzada into custody
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) barred provincial authorities from remanding Sharif, Sami Ibrahim and Moeed Pirzada in their custody without the court's permission.

The court issued notices to the interior secretary, Islamabad Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon to submit their responses. The latter two were also instructed to ensure that custody of the journalists was not handed over to a province without the court's permission.

Furthermore, the IHC summoned details of cases filed against journalists across the country and sought the opinion of the Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA) and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists.

The court also declared the two organisations as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the case

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah was presiding over a hearing for petitions filed by the trio of journalists in order to obtain protective bails. The chief justice remarked that journalists were being targeted in the country for the past three years.

"Things will get better by themselves when the institutions play their role according to the law. This court can only grant security bail," he said.

The chief justice asked Sharif to explain why cases were being registered against him. Sharif responded that he was being told he would be "taught a lesson", booked in cases all over the country, abducted and made "an example" in the country.

IHCJA President Saqib Bashir, when summoned to the rostrum, said that Sharif, Ibrahim and Khan were facing threats of a "serious nature".

Meanwhile, Advocate Faisal Chaudhry, the lawyer for the journalists, said that his clients were being booked across the country and asked the court how they could appear before the court to defend themselves.

He requested the court to transfer the various cases registered in the country to Islamabad, to which Justice Minallah said that it was not in the IHC's jurisdiction to decide on a case in another district.

Subsequently, Chaudhry pleaded that an order be passed to pre-empt Sharif's "illegal arrest". He also added cases were also being filed against lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari — who had criticised the military leadership following her mother's arrest on Saturday — in other cities.

The court observed that the IHC was bound by its jurisdiction and only the Supreme Court could look into matters from all over the country.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned to May 30.

Senior journalists booked in sedition cases
It had emerged on Sunday that cases were registered against Khan, Shakir and Sharif for allegedly criticising state institutions and “abetting mutiny”.

The first information report (FIR) against Khan, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, was registered in Thatta's Dhabeji police station under Sections 131 (incitement to mutiny), 153 (provoking to cause riot), 452 (trespassing) and 505 (statement conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

The FIR said that the complainant had heard Khan talking against the army and the institutions in a "derogatory and provocative language" on social media.

DAWN

PK is under Martial law. A set of imported crooks backed by Bajwa and Biden with no support. These brave journalists have put their lives on the line. These crooks have failed, they have crashed the economy, destroyed media freedom and have no support. Look at the Okra Jalsa today and not even paid touts turned up. PK zindabad

 

[silentkiller187]

KARACHI: Hours after the most-watched news channel of the country was taken off air in a number of areas in Punjab province, ARY News was taken off air in a number of areas in Karachi as well with no plausible explanation from cable operators, ARY News reported.

According to details, the news channel watched by millions of Pakistanis across the world was taken off air in Saddar, Lyari, Liaquatabad, Kharadar, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, North Karachi, Shadman Town, Jahangir Road and Burns Road as well.

Ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Azadi March, the channel was either taken off-air or moved to last numbers or among entertainment channels in a number of cities and towns in Punjab reportedly on Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) behest.

Viewers in Peer Mahal, Muzaffargarh, Okara, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Murree, Kotli, Gojar Khan and many other areas took to social media to protest against this forced outage of the country’s most-watched news channel.

https://arynews.tv/ary-news-taken-off-air-in-different-parts-of-karachi/

 

[Major]

PK is under Martial law. A set of imported crooks backed by Bajwa and Biden with no support. These brave journalists have put their lives on the line. These crooks have failed, they have crashed the economy, destroyed media freedom and have no support. Look at the Okra Jalsa today and not even paid touts turned up. PK zindabad

You gave them the extention, infact you funded the extention. Now deal with it.

When we used to say that pmda bills or peca bills existed you lot couldnt care less and justified it.

You lot sowed the seed enjoy the outcome

 

[Major]

 

[MenInG]

You gave them the extention, infact you funded the extention. Now deal with it.

When we used to say that pmda bills or peca bills existed you lot couldnt care less and justified it.

You lot sowed the seed enjoy the outcome

So what's your opinion on this?

 

[Bewal Express]

You gave them the extention, infact you funded the extention. Now deal with it.

When we used to say that pmda bills or peca bills existed you lot couldnt care less and justified it.

You lot sowed the seed enjoy the outcome

So the extension is the reason why criminals you support are back in power. can you hear yourself

 

[James]

<b>ARY: MARYAM NAWAZ GETS ARY NEWS MIC REMOVED BEFORE PRESSER</b>

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday removed ARY News’ mic before addressing a press conference here in Punjab’s capital, ARY News reported.

The PML-N leader once again singled-out ARY News and not only removed the most popular news channel’s mic ahead of presser but also leveled a number of allegations against the media house.

This is not the first time that the PML-N leader has attacked ARY News directly.

Earlier this month, Maryam Nawaz openly called for crushing ARY News after the channel ran a story on former Sindh governor Imran Ismail’s tweet.

Then in her speech during May 19 Sargodha rally, the PML-N leader once again threatened ARY News along with her political rival Imran Khan.

The move was condemned by journalist organisations and general public.

ARY News management strongly condemned Maryam Nawaz’s threats against the channel and reiterated that the channel will continue reporting facts which its primary duty as a media channel.

ARY News management, however, made it clear that if any of its journalists or workers get attacked after these threats from a national-level leader, the case will be registered against Maryam Nawaz.

A number of journalist bodies also condemned today’s incident of removal of ARY News’ mic ahead of press conference.

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Vice President Lala Asad Pathan said that it is unbecoming of a national level leader to target a news channel.

He added that the statements and behaviour of Maryam Nawaz towards a popular news channel leaves its workers and journalists vulnerable to attacks from PML-N supporters and workers.

It is also pertinent to note here that ARY News has already been taken off air in a number of cities across the country since morning.

https://arynews.tv/maryam-nawaz-gets-ary-news-mic-removed-before-presser/

 

[Major]

So what's your opinion on this?

Its wrong. Political parties should never side with the army.

But when one party(pti) does, than retaliation is expected.

Right now the issue is pti claims to be anti army but once they get a general that supports them they will be back on the generals lap just like pmln.

When it comes to army pmln and pti are no different.

Atleast ppp is consisstent

 

[Major]

So the extension is the reason why criminals you support are back in power. can you hear yourself

Extention is the reason why your party is being treated like a used rag.

You are payigg the price for supporting the army

 

[Bewal Express]

Its wrong. Political parties should never side with the army.

But when one party(pti) does, than retaliation is expected.

Right now the issue is pti claims to be anti army but once they get a general that supports them they will be back on the generals lap just like pmln.

When it comes to army pmln and pti are no different.

Atleast ppp is consisstent

I am not sure why you think the PPP are consistent-The PPP have no support at all( a rural Sindh party), they are seen as joke and without the establishment they would still be offering a 1000 rps to get people to support them.

 

[Bewal Express]

Extention is the reason why your party is being treated like a used rag.

You are payigg the price for supporting the army

Supporting the army is our duty- supporting a General who has decided to back criminals that you support says more about him, than us.

 

[Major]

Supporting the army is our duty- supporting a General who has decided to back criminals that you support says more about him, than us.

Ok, keep on supporting the army that is treating you lot like a used rag

 

[Major]

I am not sure why you think the PPP are consistent-The PPP have no support at all( a rural Sindh party), they are seen as joke and without the establishment they would still be offering a 1000 rps to get people to support them.

Yet the joke was the one that got the first ever vote of no confidence passed

 

[Bewal Express]

Yet the joke was the one that got the first ever vote of no confidence passed

In system they created on horse trading it wasnt difficult with the money they stole from the poor of Sindh and Uncle Sams generous donations. And something once again that was left to IK to end and he has. Once again Kaptaan has done for something for his country which others couldnt do.

 

[Syed1]

Yet the joke was the one that got the first ever vote of no confidence passed

Similarly if you want to play this game. ZAB was the first ever PM to be hanged. Benazir was first ever PM to have two governments dismissed.


Any thing else?

 

[Major]

Similarly if you want to play this game. ZAB was the first ever PM to be hanged. Benazir was first ever PM to have two governments dismissed.


Any thing else?

There is a difference.
Imran was the first and only one to lose the peoples confidence.

No other pm of pakistan has ever lost the peoples confidence.

And yes mnas do represent the people whther you like it or not.

This will be imrans legacy in politics

 

[Major]

In system they created on horse trading it wasnt difficult with the money they stole from the poor of Sindh and Uncle Sams generous donations. And something once again that was left to IK to end and he has. Once again Kaptaan has done for something for his country which others couldnt do.

No horse trading took place. All yhe votes were from other parties.

You need to check what horse trading means. Parties can vote for who they want, only pti members were not allowed to vote and they did not vote

 

[Syed1]

There is a difference.
Imran was the first and only one to lose the peoples confidence.

No other pm of pakistan has ever lost the peoples confidence.

And yes mnas do represent the people whther you like it or not.

This will be imrans legacy in politics

Lol at people's confidence.


I'm sure you must have seen the record breaking jalsas in all cities.


And you don't define what Khan's legacy is. You do not have the auqaat to do that.

Last reply to you.

 

[silentkiller187]

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday ordered Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to restore ARY News to its original number on the TV channels sequence, ARY News reported.

The IHC bench heard the petition related to the closure and relegation of ARY News to lower numbers on TV channels sequence.

At the outset of the hearing, the IHC ordered PEMRA chairman to restore ARY News to its original number by 4pm and asked him to appear before the court in person in case the complaint was not resolved.

It is pertinent to mention here that the transmission of ARY News was suspended in parts of the country on Tuesday.

The transmission of ARY News was reportedly taken down in parts of Pakistan following the orders of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to the cable operators.

In several cities, PEMRA officials went to the cable operators themselves to stop the broadcast of ARY News, the sources said, while in Karachi and Sukkur the broadcasting of ARY News was disrupted and was put on the last number.

The position of ARY News was also changed in Pir Mahal, Muzaffargarh, Okara, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Rawat, Murree, Kotli Satyan and Gujar Khan.

https://arynews.tv/ihc-directs-pemra-to-restore-ary-news-to-its-original-number/

 

[MenInG]

Police registered a case against Imaan Mazari, daughter of PTI leader Shireen Mazari, on Friday for allegedly making derogatory statements against Pakistan Army and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The FIR was registered at Ramna police station under Section 505 (hate speech) and Section 138 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Section 138 reads: “Whoever abets what he knows to be an act of insubordination by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of Pakistan, shall, if such act of insubordination be committed in consequence of that abetment, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both."

According to the application seeking the registration of the FIR, Mazari made a “derogatory and hatred [sic] statement on May 21” against Pakistan Army and its chief General Bajwa.

Mazari “abused the senior military leadership of the Pakistan Army”, the application filed by Syed Humayun Iftikhar, Lt Colonel for Judge Advocate General, GHQ, stated as it sought registration of a case against Mazari.

“Her derogatory statements are highly disparaging aimed to cause and incite mutiny/intimidation amongst ranks and file of [the] Pakistan Army,” it stated, adding, “It also leads to ridicule and create hatred within the Pakistan Army which made out [sic] a serious offence.”

It alleged Mazari also defamed the senior military leadership as these “statements, made with the intent to cause and create unrest and chaos in the Pakistan Army” which is a “punishable offence”.

According to the application, “There are reasons to believe that such act [sic] will harm the reputation of [the] army and senior leadership.” The application sought legal action against Mazari for an offence against the state.

It may be noted here that after the Punjab government distanced itself from Shireen Mazari's arrest, her daughter Imaan accused Gen Bajwa and the army of being behind the detention of her mother.

The military has been accused of enforced disappearances by rights activists. It is interesting that the military has opted for the legal course for “justice”, which could be a test case for the country’s criminal justice system.

The country’s Constitution and law provide protection to the armed forces against defamation and ridicule. And analysts say the court ruling in this case could set a precedent.

Express Tribune

 

[MenInG]

Police registered a case against Imaan Mazari, daughter of PTI leader Shireen Mazari, on Friday for allegedly making derogatory statements against Pakistan Army and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The FIR was registered at Ramna police station under Section 505 (hate speech) and Section 138 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Section 138 reads: “Whoever abets what he knows to be an act of insubordination by an officer, soldier, sailor or airman, in the Army, Navy or Air Force of Pakistan, shall, if such act of insubordination be committed in consequence of that abetment, be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both."

According to the application seeking the registration of the FIR, Mazari made a “derogatory and hatred [sic] statement on May 21” against Pakistan Army and its chief General Bajwa.

Mazari “abused the senior military leadership of the Pakistan Army”, the application filed by Syed Humayun Iftikhar, Lt Colonel for Judge Advocate General, GHQ, stated as it sought registration of a case against Mazari.

“Her derogatory statements are highly disparaging aimed to cause and incite mutiny/intimidation amongst ranks and file of [the] Pakistan Army,” it stated, adding, “It also leads to ridicule and create hatred within the Pakistan Army which made out [sic] a serious offence.”

It alleged Mazari also defamed the senior military leadership as these “statements, made with the intent to cause and create unrest and chaos in the Pakistan Army” which is a “punishable offence”.

According to the application, “There are reasons to believe that such act [sic] will harm the reputation of [the] army and senior leadership.” The application sought legal action against Mazari for an offence against the state.

It may be noted here that after the Punjab government distanced itself from Shireen Mazari's arrest, her daughter Imaan accused Gen Bajwa and the army of being behind the detention of her mother.

The military has been accused of enforced disappearances by rights activists. It is interesting that the military has opted for the legal course for “justice”, which could be a test case for the country’s criminal justice system.

The country’s Constitution and law provide protection to the armed forces against defamation and ridicule. And analysts say the court ruling in this case could set a precedent.

Express Tribune

[MENTION=135038]Major[/MENTION]

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to Kazim Khan on being re-elected President of CPNE. I believe CPNE can play a major role in responsible journalism and will protect people’s right to know and freedom of speech.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1530807723742273536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

A team has been constituted to investigate a case registered against rights activist advocate Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, police said on Monday.

The team, comprising SP Saddar Zone, SDPO, women police station SHO and an inspector, was formed to investigate the case on merit, they said.

The case was registered against Ms Mazari-Hazir, daughter of former human rights minister Shireen Mazari, in response to a complaint lodged by Lt Col Syed Humayun for the Judge Advocate General, General Headquarters Rawalpindi, under PPCs 138 (Abetment of act of insubordination by soldier, sailor or airman) and 505 (Statements conducing to public mischief).

Imaan Mazari-Hazir appeared before the investigation team on Monday and was asked to record her statement but she sought time for submitting a written statement after consulting her counsel, the officers said.


She was on pre-arrest bail obtained from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 27 in connection with the case registered with Ramna police.

The FIR stated that Ms Mazari-Hazir made a derogatory statement on May 21 against the army and its senior leadership on the premises of the IHC when her mother Shireen Mazari was arrested from outside her residence.

“The lady abused the senior military leadership of Pakistan Army and her derogatory statements are highly disparaging aimed to cause and incite mutiny/intimidation amongst ranks and file of Pakistan Army. It also leads to ridicule and create hatred within the army which made out a serious offence,” it said.

The FIR said there were reasons to believe that such an act would harm the reputation of the army and its senior leadership.

“The statements of Ms Mazari are clearly reflective of her intent to cause a fear and alarm to the public thus inducing to commit offence against the state. It is imperative that strict legal action taken against her under the relevant law,” the FIR said.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2022