CPJ calls for Halt to Terrorism Investigations Against Pakistani Journalists Abroad

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Pakistani authorities to halt their harassment of foreign-based journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Shaheen Sehbai, Sabir Shakir, and Moeed Pirzada.

Pakistani police are reported to have opened criminal and terrorism investigations against these individuals on allegations of inciting attacks and spreading terrorism.

On 10th June, in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, authorities initiated investigations into US-based journalists Khan and Sehbai, along with two former army officers. They are accused of inciting people to attack military installations, spreading terrorism, and creating chaos following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on 9th May.

In a separate but similar development on 13th June, Shakir, a freelance journalist based outside Pakistan, and Pirzada, US-based editor of the news website Global Village Space, also found themselves under investigation.

The allegations against all four journalists and the ex-army officers centre around unspecified social media posts and videos. These cases refer to sections of the penal code concerning criminal conspiracy and abetting mutiny, along with the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.

Beh Lih Yi, CPJ's Asia program coordinator, voiced strong criticism of the investigations: "It is unconscionable that foreign-based Pakistani journalists face potential death sentences under terrorism investigations in retaliation for their critical reporting and commentary."

Tensions have risen in Pakistan since the arrest of the former Prime Minister, which sparked protests across the country. The media have been under significant pressure, with arrests, attacks, and harassment of journalists becoming common. Mainstream Pakistani news channels have been forced to halt coverage of the former prime minister due to military pressure.

Each of the four journalists under investigation has provided critical analysis of these recent events via their social media and YouTube channels. They believe that Pakistani authorities are targeting them in response to their comprehensive critical coverage of the government and army.

CPJ's attempts to contact Islamabad Police Inspector-General Akbar Nasir Khan and Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb have yet to receive a response. As this story unfolds, the international community awaits Pakistan's next steps in these unprecedented cases.