PTI MPA’s u-turn, journalist faces legal threat for reporting truth
Shazia Mehboob
Mansehra: Concerns over press freedom in Pakistan have once again come under discussion following a controversy surrounding a statement by PTI MPA Munir Hussain Laghmani and subsequent developments involving local media reporting, with a Mansehra journalist reportedly facing legal threats over his coverage of the incident.
According to details, Munir Hussain Laghmani, while addressing the media in Balakot during a membership drive linked to the campaign for Imran Khan’s release, stated that if former Prime Minister Imran Khan had not taken a stance of refusing US military bases in the past, Pakistan would not now be in a position to play any potential role in emerging diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States.
He credited this policy position with the phrase “Absolutely Not,” attributing significance to it in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy stance.
His remarks quickly circulated on social media and were reported by local media outlets, including Hazara Express News. The outlet published a headline highlighting that “credit for possible US-Iran talks goes to Imran Khan through MPA Munir Laghmani’s statement.”
However, the situation escalated after reports emerged that Laghmani later retracted or objected to the way his statement was reported and also filed a complaint against journalist Sher Afzal Gujar, who covered the press conference.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/legal-grey-zone-leaves-gbs-journalists-exposed/
Following the reporting of the press conference, it is alleged that the Cyber Crime Circle of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) contacted the journalist.
According to details shared by Hazara Express News, the journalist received multiple calls from a PTCL number (0992921588), where the caller reportedly identified himself as an FIA Cyber Crime official from Abbottabad.
The journalist was directed to appear before the FIA office on Monday at 11 am in connection with a complaint.
In a second call, the journalist was reportedly instructed to appear before an FIA official identified as Madam Huma at the same time.
The development has triggered concern within journalistic circles, with questions being raised over whether the matter reflects a dispute over reporting accuracy and context, or whether it indicates pressure on media reporting.
In response, the journalist and Hazara Express News stated that they have initiated legal steps under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2017. A formal application has been submitted to the FIA Abbottabad office seeking written details of the complaint, the identity of the complainant, and the legal basis of any inquiry under PECA or other laws.
The organization has also approached higher authorities, including the Public Information Commissioner Islamabad, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Digital Media Alliance Pakistan (DigiMAP), and relevant press bodies, requesting transparency and protection of journalistic rights.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/senate-launches-inquiry-into-peca-misuse-journalist-harassment/
They maintain that no oral summons should replace formal legal documentation and that all allegations must be disclosed before any further action is taken.
Meanwhile, Munir Hussain Laghmani has been quoted as reiterating in his video message that baseless cases are being filed against PTI leadership, including Imran Khan, and that judicial processes are being misused. He also reaffirmed his party’s commitment to launching a peaceful struggle for what he termed real freedom, justice, and freedom of expression.
The controversy continues to generate debate, with one side viewing the development as a potential example of pressure on media reporting, while others argue it may stem from disagreement over interpretation, context, and framing of the original statement.
As the matter unfolds, it has once again highlighted broader concerns around press freedom, political communication, and the boundaries of legal action against journalistic reporting in Pakistan.
DigiMAP Condemns Action Against Journalist
In a strong reaction, the Digital Media Alliance Pakistan (DigiMAP) leadership has condemned the action taken against journalists following the recent controversy involving a political leader and local media reporting.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/mansehra-journalist-faces-peca-threats-for-reporting-youths-murder/
President DigiMAP Sybookh Syed, along with Information Secretary Adnan Amir, Communication Secretary Shazia Mehbob, and other members of the alliance, termed the move against journalists as an attack on press freedom.
In a statement on Saturday, the DigiMAP leadership stated that targeting journalists over their reporting is unacceptable and undermines the constitutional right to free expression. They emphasized that media professionals must be allowed to perform their duties without pressure, intimidation, or legal harassment.
President Sybookh Syed said that all-out efforts would be made to safeguard media freedom and protect outlets engaged in public interest journalism across the region. He added that DigiMAP stands firmly with journalists and organizations that continue to highlight public issues responsibly.
The statement further reiterated that any attempt to silence or intimidate the press would be strongly resisted, and collective action would be taken to defend journalistic independence.
It is a developing story.
