Pakistan: journalist arrested for alleged violation of country’s constitution
NUJ urges release of Imran Riaz Khan and an end to ongoing investigation.
The NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists in condemning the arrest of journalist Imran Riaz Khan on 5 July.
Khan’s arrest follows the submission of applications from residents alleging comments he made cited anti-national sentiments, including criticism of Pakistan’s army.
At least four cases against the journalist have been filed with police through First Information Reports, also commonly used by the country’s Federal Investigation Agency to raise complaints about journalists.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists described the cases against journalists as efforts to "gag" them. The NUJ is urging the immediate release of Khan and for a halt into the investigation against him.
The IFJ said:
“As the number of cases lodged against journalists increases in Pakistan, the IFJ urges the Pakistani authorities to withdraw the cases against Imran Riaz Khan and cease the use of government mechanisms to harass journalists and media workers.”