Death Threats Against Hamid Mir Demand Swift Investigation: CPJ
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistani authorities are under pressure to swiftly and impartially investigate death threats and online harassment directed at prominent television anchor Hamid Mir, as urged by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Mir, known for hosting the flagship political show “Capital Talk” on Geo News and surviving previous assassination attempts, disclosed receiving multiple death threats via social media, prompting concerns for his safety.
Despite reporting the threats to the police in Islamabad, no action has been taken yet.
Journalist Imran Riaz Khan publicly stated on social media that there were alleged plans to target Mir due to his advocacy for freedom of speech in Pakistan, where journalists frequently face harassment and violence from various quarters, including the military, political factions, and criminal elements.
Mir also observed individuals filming him near his residence in Islamabad, further exacerbating fears for his safety. He promptly reported this incident to the authorities as well.
In a separate development, Mir filed a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), responsible for probing cybercrimes, against Jan Achakzai, former information minister of Baluchistan province, for repeatedly defaming him on social media, including labeling him a “traitor.”
Mir emphasized that such baseless accusations not only tarnish his reputation but also pose a threat to his security.
The situation underscores the urgent need for Pakistani authorities to take concrete steps to ensure Mir’s safety, investigate the threats against him, and hold those responsible accountable.
Achakzai announced on X that he had been summoned to the FIA’s Cybercrime Reporting Center on May 3. He criticized Mir for supporting freedom of expression and engaging with separatists in Baluchistan on his show.
💥💥🚨🚨 بلوچستان کے علیحدگی پسندوں کے سہولت کاروں کو بے نقاب کرتا رہوں گا خواہ میری جان چلی جائے.
🟣 یوم آزادی صحافت پر آزادی یکطرفہ اظہار کے چمیئن اور پاکستان میں علیحدگی پسندوں کے سب سے بڑے سہولت کار حامد میر کی شکائیت پر ایف آئی اے کے دفتر گیا.
🟣 ہم بلوچستان کے عوام آئین… pic.twitter.com/f0i72G4mLV— Jan Achakzai / جان اچکزئی (@Jan_Achakzai) May 3, 2024
CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Beh Lih Yi remarked, “The threats and online hate campaign against one of Pakistan’s most prominent television anchors illustrate the severity of intimidation and pressure faced by journalists in Pakistan. Pakistani security agencies must immediately act against those trying to silence Hamid Mir and hold them accountable.”
Known for his advocacy for press freedom in Pakistan, Mir consistently champions the cause.
On April 27, he lodged a petition in the Islamabad High Court seeking the establishment of…
