Mansehra Journalist Faces PECA Threats for Reporting Youth’s Murder
Shazia Mehboob
Mansehra: Senior journalist Sher Afzal Gujar is facing threats under the PECA Act after reporting on the murder of a young man in Daro Katha, Mansehra, on December 8.
According to the victim’s family, the young man had discovered five valuable idols worth millions of rupees. They alleged that his friends lured him from home under the pretense of selling the idols, then killed him and kept the artifacts.
Instead of arresting the accused, the police allegedly detained the victim’s sister for two days, subjecting her to torture to force a confession. Later, the deceased’s brother and two brothers-in-law were also reportedly taken into custody and tortured to extract an admission of guilt.
A month later, the real suspects were identified, but they allegedly escaped due to the destruction of evidence and flaws in the investigation.
Why Is the Journalist Being Targeted?
The victim’s grieving family, including his father, sister, widow, and six orphaned children, held a press conference at Hazara Express News to highlight the injustice. The news outlet broadcast their statements, drawing attention to the case.
Following the coverage, Mansehra Police Station Sadar SHO Israr Shah reportedly sought action under the PECA Act against Sher Afzal Gujar, requesting permission to file an FIR.
Gujar Responds to Police Action
Speaking to The PenPK.com, Sher Afzal Gujar defended his reporting, stating that Hazara Express News is a registered news channel committed to ethical journalism as a member of the Digital Media Alliance Pakistan (DigiMAP).
“We are journalists, and our job is to report the truth. We have no personal dispute with the police, but they have made it personal,” he said. Gujar linked the police’s actions to Hazara Express News’ recent coverage of a drug-related case at Battal police station, suggesting that the authorities were retaliating against them.
“We demand an independent inquiry into these matters. The ongoing injustices in Mansehra must come to an end,” Gujar added.
DigiMAP Condemns Police Action
The Digital Media Alliance Pakistan (DigiMAP), including its President Subukh Syed and General Secretary Adnan Amir, strongly condemned the police’s actions against Sher Afzal Gujar, calling it a blatant violation of human rights and constitutional freedoms.
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Subukh Syed stated, “This is possibly the first time in Pakistan’s history that a journalist is being prosecuted for covering a press conference. We had long warned that the PECA law would be misused for personal revenge and harassment. Today, that fear has become a reality. Instead of protecting human rights, this law is now being weaponized to silence journalists.”
In a Twitter Space on Wednesday night, press freedom advocates and journalists called for an independent inquiry into both the murder case and the alleged police misconduct, urging authorities to ensure justice in Mansehra.
