Case Update Status

Investigation is underway.

Summary of Case

On August 2, Journalists from Charsadda including Freedom Network coordinator & Tribal News Network Rafaqatullah Razarwal faced action from the local police. The police allegedly accused them of facilitating drug dealing and banned them, aiming to curb biased reporting and maintain the integrity of their operations Razarwal detailed that he had been facing threats and intimidation from the police after reporting on the arrest of a political figure, Haji Farman Ali, in a false case. The police had arrested Farman Ali on July 31st, and Razarwal had highlighted the inconsistencies in the police's story, including the fact that Farman Ali was allegedly caught from a location 25 kilometers away from his actual arrest spot. Razarwal stated that the court had later granted Farman Ali bail, noting that the police's evidence was flimsy and that there were doubts about the circumstances of his arrest. Despite this, the police had launched a campaign against Rafaqatullah, feeding information to groups and threatening to take action against him and other journalists, if any one speaks in the matter. According to Razarwal the police had claimed that they would start an inquiry against 11 journalists, check their accounts, and file FIRs against them. Rafaqatullah further explained that the police's actions were an attempt to silence him and other journalists, and he had been openly defying their threats. Police circulated unofficial messages in their WhatsApp groups and used tauts journalists for their support, added Rafaqatullah. Razarwal further explained that the police had presented contradictory evidence in the case, claiming that Farman Ali was live for 15 hours before being arrested, but later revealing that he was caught in front of his house. The court, however, had seen through the police's tactics and granted Farman Ali bail without taking him into custody. Razarwal expressed concerns about the police's ability to plant evidence and frame journalists, highlighting the risks faced by journalists in the line of duty. He stated that he had been reporting on the case despite the threats, and that he would continue to do so, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and the need for greater protection and support for journalists. However, he had no idea about the name of other journalists involved with him. On Aug 02, a story was shared on WhatsApp detailing the court proceedings of Haji Farman Ali, an Awami National Party (ANP) worker in Charsadda. The case saw a significant development when Additional Sessions Judge Farhana Tabassum granted Haji Farman Ali bail due to contradictions in the evidence presented by the prosecution. The story detailed that, the courtroom was filled with ANP workers and locals awaiting the outcome. Haji Farman Ali's lawyers, Ahmed Din Safi and Khalid Durrani, argued that their client was picked up by unknown persons from his village Dadu Kali after attending a book launch and library inauguration on July 31. He was later shown arrested by police at a motorway interchange after 15 hours. As per the story the lawyers pointed out inconsistencies in the evidence, specifically letters from the State Bank, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Forensic Science Laboratory mentioning the recovery of "ice" from different locations. The prosecution claimed involvement in international ice smuggling based on bank statements obtained from a mobile phone. However, the judge questioned the legality of this, noting that the phone should have been sealed and could only be opened with a court order. After a three-hour adjournment, the judge granted bail, rejecting the police's request for further custody. Lawyer Khalid Durrani welcomed the verdict as "justice on merit," stating the police case was baseless. On the same day after, an unofficial message was forwarded in a WhatsApp group of Charsadda Police officials with context suggesting it pertains to silencing journalists from reporting on the Farman Ali case. Imposing a ban on certain individuals who act as facilitators of drug dealers. According to the message, Charsadda Police imposed a complete ban on individuals who, while presenting themselves as journalists, make videos and write articles in favor of drug dealers. Individuals were strictly prohibited from participating in police stations, checkpoints, and police events. The message stated that, the decision was reportedly taken against elements attempting to undermine the reputation and effective operations of the Charsadda Police. It was detailed that sources indicate that these individuals not only try to cover up crimes committed by drug dealers but also potentially harm public trust in law enforcement by defaming agencies. The step was considered as a positive development that could boost police morale and uphold the integrity of the journalism profession. The public and journalistic circles in Charsadda reportedly appreciated this decision. They also demanded for details of such elements to be made public and for legal action to be taken against them to enhance the effectiveness of the anti-drug struggle. The police official also shared their perspective that the ban on facilitators of drug dealers is a significant step, but it should be accompanied by a crackdown on "tout journalists" who may be motivated by personal gain. The official emphasized the need for police to rely only on genuine journalists who report impartially and provide accurate information, rather than those who may be driven by ulterior motives. This, they believe, would help maintain the integrity of the police's efforts and ensure that they are not misled by biased or inaccurate reporting. Bol News representatives Ali Akbar from Charsadda supported the police stance, stating that lawyers who defend accused individuals linked to the ice mafia are also facilitators and should be held accountable for their involvement in these cases. He questioned whether action would be taken against these lawyers, emphasizing the need for consistency in addressing the issue. Daily Uraan Bureau chief Zahid Ali Chishti also forwarded the police stance underpin the initiative. . When PPF reached out Zahid he said that he had shared an article that a source had sent to him. However, upon reviewing the article, he noticed that it did not mention Farman Ali case. According to Zahid the article reportedly pertained to a list of 11 journalists who had been flagged by various intelligence agencies for sharing unverified news but names of journalist not confirmed, he said District Police officer Charsadda Saifullah speaking to PPF that that made lists and department is collecting information about journalists involved in helping Local and international Drug dealers. Any relevant progress will be shared with public once done, he added.

Category of Incident

Harassment

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 02081

ICCS Group: N/A

ICCS Class: N/A

ICCS Crime: N/A

Reported By

Freedom Network

Date of incident

2

Month

August

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Rafaqarullah Razarwal

Other affected persons

N/A

Name of affected organization

Freedom Network

Other affected organizations

Tribal News Network

Action by

Charsadda Police

City

Charsadda

Province

KP

Designation

Coordinator/Reporter

Professional category

Journalist

Age of victim

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: N/A

Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A

Date of compensation paid by government: N/A

Amount of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date compensation paid by others: N/A

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No

Court where case was presented: Matter was not presented before any court

Name of prosecuting lawyer: Matter was not presented before any court

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: Matter was not presented before any court

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

Not condemned

APNS

Not condemned

CPNE

Not condemned

PBA

Not condemned

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

N/A

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: No version was recorded

Press club 2: No version was recorded

Press club 3: No version was recorded