Case Update Status

The order of the court was not complied.

Summary of Case

Amanullah Marwat, a reporter for Dunya News, had his canteen destroyed on the pretext of encroachment due to his critical reporting against the administration. Later on, Marwat's family was allegedly harassed by the Deputy Commissioner, Tank, Tanveer Khattak and a fake search was also made by WAPDA at Marwat’s house on the complaint of Khattak. According to the report of Pukaar, the district administration has faced criticism for withdrawing security from the District Tribes Press Club and demolishing the shop of senior journalist Amanullah Marwat and the wall of the press club building, despite a court order. Dunya News reporter Amanullah Marwat shared his experience with PPF, stating that he has been practicing journalism for a long time, focusing on local issues in Waziristan. Recently, he reported on a protest in Tank Tehsil over the lack of clean drinking water, which the administration ignored. After Marwat's story was published and shared on social media, Deputy Commissioner Tanveer Khattak allegedly retaliated against him. Marwat claimed that Khattak, whom he believes holds his position without merit and through political influence, demolished his shop and stall in the Irfan Shaheed Park area, exceeding his authority. Marwat obtained a court order for the restoration of his shop and compensation for damages, but Khattak reportedly ignored the order. According to Marwat, Khattak then wrongfully reported him for electricity theft, leading to a search of his house by WAPDA officials. Despite the officials finding no evidence of theft and apologizing for the search, Khattak allegedly continued to harass Marwat's family. Marwat's sister, a Lady Health Officer, was transferred to sensitive areas four times in a month, potentially putting Marwat at risk when accompanying her to her duty stations. Marwat also mentioned that his reporting on the flood in Tank, where he criticized the administration's response, further strained his relationship with Khattak. Marwat stated that the District Press Club Tank refused to support him, citing personal benefits and fear of harassment. He plans to approach the High Court to challenge Khattak's actions. Marwat also mentioned receiving threats from armed men and attempts to intimidate him, which he believes are linked to Khattak. Despite advice from friends and relatives to quit journalism, Marwat remains determined to pursue his case. Marwat provided details of previous incidents, including being robbed by armed men and the SHO's failure to register an FIR, as well as Khattak's alleged attempts to pressure him over news reports, including one about polio cases in Tank district. In 2019, the Nazim District Government Tank issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Abdullah (Marwat's brother), allowing him to operate a food stall named "Ahh Cold drinks & Fast Food items corner" at Irfan Shaheed Park in Tank City. The NOC, dated May 24, 2019, stated that Abdullah follows hygienic measures and provides good service to the public visiting the park. The certificate also highlighted Abdullah's status as an unemployed youth earning his livelihood and expressed the administration's support for such initiatives to promote entrepreneurship among young people in District Tank. The NOC was issued by Mustafa Khan Kundi, Nazim, and the District Government of Tank. The Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Tank also granted approval to Mr. Abdullah (Marwat's brother) to operate a canteen inside Irfan Shaheed Park. The approval, dated December 28, 2012, specified that the canteen would be leased to Abdullah for a monthly rent of Rs. 2,000, with a 10% annual increase in rent. Abdullah was also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the park and providing furniture for the canteen. As part of the agreement, Abdullah was required to execute a formal contract with TMA Tank. Copy is attached. On May 18, Amanullah shared on Facebook about the dire situation in Tank, highlighting that the area is experiencing 22 hours of load shedding and the supply of water from wells has also been blocked. On August 19, Marwat, reporting for Dunya News, shared that the flash floods in Tank district have caused widespread devastation, destroying several homes and disrupting road connectivity. The roads connecting Jandola, Umar Adda, Dera Ismail Khan, and Bannu have been completely blocked. As per the report, dozens of homes have been destroyed in Umar Adda, and residents are evacuating to safer areas on their own. He mentioned the potential for further damage and loss of life due to the floods, highlighting the absence of an effective district administration response. Evidence is also available regarding the transfer of Marwat's sister. Speaking to PPF, Deputy Commissioner Tank, Tanveer Khatak, stated that authorities are actively working with government employees to resolve the issue. He assured that if evidence warranting action is presented, appropriate measures will be taken. The President of the Mehsud Press Club Upper South Waziristan, Farooq Mehsood, clarified that none of its 22 members have any allegations against the protesting employees or anyone else mentioned in the banners held during the protests. The names highlighted in the banners are not associated with any members of the Mehsud Press Club. The District Press Club Tank GS, Sheikh Rehmat, shared its perspective with PPF, regarding Amanullah Marwat, stating that Marwat has faced a problem due to his brother’s canteen located in a park. Marwat claims the park falls under the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Tank's authority, to which he pays rent. However, the administration demolished his canteen, citing encroachment and claiming the property is under administrative control. TUJ-2 President Awar Din speaking to PPF said that the controversy surrounds Deputy Commissioner Tank, Tanveer Khattak, who allegedly received substantial funds for medical facilities under a fake medical expenditure bill for his father. The journalist uncovered this corruption through authentic sources and subsequently highlighted it. In response, the DC office reportedly retaliated against the journalist, attempting to harass and defame them, including filing an FIR.

Category of Incident

Legal Action; Harassment; Attack on Property

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: N/A

ICCS Group: N/A

ICCS Class: 020819- Other harassment

ICCS Crime: N/A

Reported By

PPF Safety Monitors

Date of incident

23

Month

August

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Amanullah Marwat

Other affected persons

N/A

Name of affected organization

Dunya News

Other affected organizations

N/A

Action by

Deputy Commissioner, Tank, Tanveer Khattak

City

Tank

Province

KP

Designation

Reporter

Professional category

Journalist

Age of victim

N/A

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation was announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation was announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No

Court where case was presented: N/A

Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: N/A

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

No version was recorded

APNS

No version was recorded

CPNE

No version was recorded

PBA

No version was recorded

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

No version was recorded

Employer organization

No version was recorded

Press Club Status

Press club 1: The President of the Mehsud Press Club Upper South Waziristan, Farooq Mehsood, clarified that none of its 22 members have any allegations against the protesting employees or anyone else mentioned in the banners held during the protests. The names highlighted in the banners are not associated with any members of the Mehsud Press Club.

Press club 2: The District Press Club Tank GS, Sheikh Rehmat, shared its perspective with PPF, regarding Amanullah Marwat, stating that Marwat has faced a problem due to his brother’s canteen located in a park. Marwat claims the park falls under the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Tank's authority, to which he pays rent. However, the administration demolished his canteen, citing encroachment and claiming the property is under administrative control

Press club 3: TUJ-2 President Awar Din speaking to PPF said that the controversy surrounds Deputy Commissioner Tank, Tanveer Khattak, who allegedly received substantial funds for medical facilities under a fake medical expenditure bill for his father. The journalist uncovered this corruption through authentic sources and subsequently highlighted it. In response, the DC office reportedly retaliated against the journalist, attempting to harass and defame them, including filing an FIR.