Case Update Status

Aslam has been granted bail for 20 days with the direction to attend the next hearing whenever called. Aug 01, 2025

Summary of Case

On July 29, Lahore Rang reporter from district Vehari Muhammad Aslam was named in an FIR, registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, for allegedly uploading a video on social media accusing the Municipal Committee Vehari of using defective material in a World Bank-funded road construction project. Muhammad Aslam, in a conversation with the PPF on Aug 01, stated that after exposing corruption in a World Bank-funded development project announced by Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz involving contractor Nasir Majeed's alleged fund manipulation and misuse of materials, he faced retaliation. Despite verifying his sources and publishing the story on July 29, an FIR was lodged against him under PECA sections, purportedly at the behest of the Deputy Commissioner of Vehari, Ms. Imrana Touqeer. Aslam revealed that this was not an isolated incident, as another journalist from Vehari, Shah Zil Hassan, had previously faced similar action for questioning corruption from Ms. Imrana Touqeer in an event. Aslam said that he had appealed the case in the Additional District and Sessions court, and his bail was accepted accordingly. Aslam affirmed his commitment to continue exposing corruption in Vehari's government projects, highlighting widespread issues in infrastructure development and the exploitation of funds meant for public benefit in the district. In a video message, Muhammad Aslam shared a concerning story about the construction of a road in his area. According to Aslam, the road carpeting work is being done using substandard materials, including inferior crash material, and using oil instead of pure bitumen. He also alleged that the base primer coat is being applied using water instead of kerosene oil, which will lead to the road deteriorating within a few years. Aslam claimed to have evidence supporting his allegations and stated that samples were sent for testing. Despite his efforts to bring attention to the issue, the engineer in charge has not responded, and the laborers and machinery operators have abandoned the site. Aslam expressed his frustration and disappointment with the corruption and negligence in the construction process, which he believes will result in significant financial losses and safety hazards for the public. He appealed to the authorities, including the Chief Minister of Punjab and the courts, to take immediate notice of the situation and intervene to prevent further corruption. FIR #806/25 lodged at Daniwal Police Station in Vehari district on July 29, against reporter Muhammad Aslam under sections 20, 24, and 27 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, based on a complaint by Municipal Officer Majeed Pathan, who alleged that Aslam uploaded a video on social media accusing the Municipal Committee Vehari of using defective material in a World Bank-funded road construction project. According to the FIR, the complaint claimed that Aslam's video was intended to blackmail and damage the administration's reputation, and that Aslam lacked the technical expertise to make such claims. Bail application filed on crime no 806/25 was accepted by Additional District and Sessions Judge Multan, Mumtaz Ahmed, in a case registered under sections 20, 29, and 27 of the PECA Act 2016. The order stated that the accused should not be arrested till the next date of hearing, dated August 20. The court directed Aslam to join the investigation and appear in court on the appointed date. Urdu Point reporter and Secretary General PFUJ wing Vehari, Mubashir Majid Mirza, spoke to PPF on Aslam’s matter and shared his perspective on the situation, as Aslam is known for his investigative reporting on various issues, including corruption and injustices. According to Mirza, Aslam's recent reporting on a World Bank-funded project, the Punjab Cities Program-PCP, highlighted concerns about substandard materials used in road construction and alleged misutilization of funds. Aslam claimed to have evidence supporting his allegations and stated that samples were sent for testing. The controversy surrounding Aslam's reporting led to an FIR being registered against him. However, Mirza believes that Aslam's work often amplifies the voices of the people, and his reporting on the Punjab Cities Program has sparked public interest and concern about the quality of infrastructure. Mubashir also mentioned Aslam's previous investigations into sensitive cases, including rape and murder, where he faced resistance and attempts to bribe him. Despite the challenges, Aslam's reporting has earned him respect within the community. The situation surrounding the FIR and Aslam's reporting raises questions about the complexities of investigative journalism and the challenges faced by journalists in highlighting important issues, Mirza said. Speaking to PPF on Aug 01, General Secretary of the Vehari Press Club, Mian Imran Hafeez, stated that the FIR filed by the district administration against a reporter from Lahore Rang News, Muhammad Aslam is an attack on press freedom. He demanded its immediate dismissal, warning that failure to do so would lead the Vehari Press Club to take further action, said Hafeez. President of the Vehari Union of Journalists, Muhammad Irfan Chaudhry, speaking to PPF, condemned the PECA case filed against Aslam for exposing substandard construction materials in Vehari's roadwork projects, terming it a direct attack on press freedom and a blatant misuse of legal provisions to silence a journalist doing his duty. He demanded immediate attention, legal support for Chaudhry, and an independent inquiry into the matter, emphasizing the need to protect press freedom and prevent retaliatory actions against journalists. Urdu Point reporter and Secretary General PFUJ wing Vehari, Mubashir Majid Mirza, spoke to PPF on Aslam’s matter and shared his perspective on the situation, as Aslam is known for his investigative reporting on various issues, including corruption and injustices. According to Mirza, Aslam's recent reporting on a World Bank-funded project, the Punjab Cities Program-PCP, highlighted concerns about substandard materials used in road construction and alleged misutilization of funds. Aslam claimed to have evidence supporting his allegations and stated that samples were sent for testing. The controversy surrounding Aslam's reporting led to an FIR being registered against him. However, Mirza believes that Aslam's work often amplifies the voices of the people, and his reporting on the Punjab Cities Program has sparked public interest and concern about the quality of infrastructure. Mubashir also mentioned Aslam's previous investigations into sensitive cases, including rape and murder, where he faced resistance and attempts to bribe him. Despite the challenges, Aslam's reporting has earned him respect within the community. The situation surrounding the FIR and Aslam's reporting raises questions about the complexities of investigative journalism and the challenges faced by journalists in highlighting important issues, Mirza said.

Category of Incident

Case registered

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: N/A

ICCS Group: N/A

ICCS Class: N/A

ICCS Crime: N/A

Reported By

PPF Safety Monitors

Date of incident

29

Month

July

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Muhammad Aslam

Other affected persons

N/A

Name of affected organization

Lahore Rang

Other affected organizations

N/A

Action by

FIA

City

Multan

Province

Punjab

Designation

Reporter

Professional category

Journalist

Age of victim

N/A

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 ?: Yes

Date of FIR:

FIR Details: 806/25

Police station of FIR: Daniwal Police Station

Name of complainant: MO, Majeed Pathan

Name of accused in FIR: Muhammad Aslam

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: Speaking to PPF on Aug 01, General Secretary of the Vehari Press Club, Mian Imran Hafeez, stated that the FIR filed by the district administration against a reporter from Lahore Rang News, Muhammad Aslam is an attack on press freedom. He demanded its immediate dismissal, warning that failure to do so would lead the Vehari Press Club to take further action, said Hafeez.

Press club 2: President of the Vehari Union of Journalists, Muhammad Irfan Chaudhry, speaking to PPF, condemned the PECA case filed against Aslam for exposing substandard construction materials in Vehari's roadwork projects, terming it a direct attack on press freedom and a blatant misuse of legal provisions to silence a journalist doing his duty. He demanded immediate attention, legal support for Chaudhry, and an independent inquiry into the matter, emphasizing the need to protect press freedom and prevent retaliatory actions against journalists.

Press club 3: Secretary General PFUJ wing Vehari, Mubashir Majid Mirza, spoke to PPF on Aslam’s matter and shared his perspective on the situation, as Aslam is known for his investigative reporting on various issues, including corruption and injustices. According to Mirza, Aslam's recent reporting on a World Bank-funded project, the Punjab Cities Program-PCP, highlighted concerns about substandard materials used in road construction and alleged misutilization of funds. Aslam claimed to have evidence supporting his allegations and stated that samples were sent for testing. The controversy surrounding Aslam's reporting led to an FIR being registered against him. However, Mirza believes that Aslam's work often amplifies the voices of the people, and his reporting on the Punjab Cities Program has sparked public interest and concern about the quality of infrastructure. Mirza also mentioned Aslam's previous investigations into sensitive cases, including rape and murder, where he faced resistance and attempts to bribe him. Despite the challenges, Aslam's reporting has earned him respect within the community. The situation surrounding the FIR and Aslam's reporting raises questions about the complexities of investigative journalism and the challenges faced by journalists in highlighting important issues, Mirza said.