Case Update Status

The Journalists matter was challenged before the district court.

Summary of Case

On September 3, protests erupted against the Tribes Press Club in Tank, targeting President Hayatullah and General Secretary Waseem Mehsood. The duo faced accusations of blackmail and interference in administrative affairs after allegedly exposing Deputy Commissioner Tanveer Khatak's corrupt practices. An FIR was registered against them, and the press club building was demolished. The Muslim reported that Deputy Commissioner of Tank, Tanveer Khattak, has been accused of using his official position to orchestrate political demonstrations and suppress dissent. According to the report, Khatak directed government employees, particularly those from the Tehsil Administration, to participate in protests and create political pressure to portray himself as a victim. The alleged motive behind this is to retain his position amid internal administrative challenges, as per the report. It has also been reported that Khattak allegedly uses public resources to finance these protests, with sources indicating that over Rs. 100 million was withdrawn from official funds in June under the pretext of "tea and refreshments." Employees participating in the protests are reportedly paid Rs. 5,000 in cash to block roads and chant slogans. 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 building, despite a court order. Secretary General of the Tank Press Club, Waseem Mehmood, detailing the matter, spoke to PPF that a dispute with Deputy Commissioner Tank, Tanveer Khattak, began when the Press Club uncovered details of fake medical bills allegedly used by the DC to avail himself of funds. The journalist also questioned the DC's non-merit appointment. When the story became public, the DC approached the Press Club, demanding they reveal their sources, which were reportedly from within his own office. The Press Club refused to disclose its sources. In retaliation, the DC's staff allegedly attempted to harass the journalists by damaging the Press Club building, specifically breaking its wall. When the journalists resisted and argued, the DC lodged an FIR against them, accusing them of interfering with government duty during an encroachment operation. The matter went to court, which ordered the DC to rebuild the damaged wall as compensation. However, the DC did not comply, leading to contempt of court proceedings. Recently, the Press Club learned that another FIR had been lodged against them, but the police were allegedly facilitating the DC and refusing to provide the Press Club with a copy of the FIR. In response, the Press Club filed a writ in the magistrate's court, seeking an inquiry and copies of all cases registered against them so they could continue with due process. Mehsood claimed that the DC staff and other government officials, including school teachers and polio workers, were supporting the DC for monetary reasons and had organized a procession against the Press Club to defame them. Due to the escalating situation, the Press Club is now closed, and its members are hiding to avoid arrest, as police are reportedly following them. President Tribes Press Club Tank Hayatullah also spoke to PPF, stating that after they attempted to expose the corruption of the Deputy Commissioner, an FIR was lodged against them. He alleged that the FIR was concealed, and subsequently, action was taken against them on charges of blackmail. According to Hayatullah, some employees of the DC office apologized, claiming they were pressured by the Deputy Commissioner to take action against them. District Tribes Press Club (SWU) shared a story with evidence suggesting corruption worth crores of rupees by Deputy Commissioner Tank Tanveer Khattak. The story detailed that, in June, Khattak withdrew approximately 100 million rupees under the guise of "Chai Pani" expenses, but no records or accountings are available. According to the report, money was spent on non-transparent activities, despite significant development projects worth billions of rupees being undertaken in the district. The report claimed various funds and grants are being misappropriated under Khattak's supervision, with complaints of huge commissions being received in TMA grants and district funds. As per the story, Khattak is also accused of violating court orders by demolishing senior journalist Amanullah Marwat's shop and the wall of the Press Club South Waziristan Upper. The story was also shared in different news platforms, including Independent Pashto, DPC News, 33 News, Azad Tribal, and Cheegha News In December 2024, the Deputy Commissioner of District Tank forwarded medical bills worth Rs. 441,020 to the Director General, Health Services, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, for verification and authentication. The bills were submitted for reimbursement purposes. A copy of the letter was also sent to the Budget Officer (PFC-II) in the Finance Department, Peshawar, for information. FIR # 122 was lodged on May 25, 2025, at Tank Police Station based on a complaint filed by Muhammad Anwar, Assistant Commissioner, Tank. The complaint alleged that during an operation to remove illegal encroachments in DC Compound, Shu Tank, President of Tribes Press Club Hayatullah, General Secretary Waseem Mahmood, and 5-6 other known and respected persons interfered in a provocative manner, threatening the officials and attempting to thwart (hinder) the official operation. The accused individuals are Hayatullah, President of Tribes Press Club, and Waseem Mahmood, General Secretary, along with 5-6 unknown persons. They are accused of obstructing the officials in the discharge of their duties and making threats to kill, which constitutes a serious challenge to law and order. The FIR invokes sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Given the nature of the allegations, the case will likely be tried in an Anti-Terrorism Court, which has jurisdiction over such offenses. The investigation is ongoing to gather evidence and take further action against the accused. On May 28, 2025, an inspection was conducted at the Deputy Commissioner's compound in Tank, South Waziristan Upper, regarding an alleged encroachment by the District Press Club. The inspection team, led by the Assistant Commissioner of District Tank and the Political Muharer of Deputy Commissioner SWU, found that the Press Club had constructed a wall on the compound premises without authorization. When questioned about the encroachment, the President of the District Press Club, Hayatullah, became agitated and allegedly misbehaved with the Assistant Commissioner, even pointing a gun at him. According to the inquiry, this incident was reported by the Assistant Commissioner, SWU, in a letter dated May 28, 2025, addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, South Waziristan Upper. On September 03, Government employees from various departments in Tank staged a protest demonstration in front of the Press Club, led by Zahid Khan. The protest was against the alleged interference in government affairs by certain journalists from South Waziristan. The employees gathered initially in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office before marching to the Press Club. The protesters accused specific journalists of harassing officers and employees, interfering in government work, and obstructing the functioning of various departments. Speakers at the protest, including Anarkali Bettani (President of All Teachers Association), Shahadat Khan Bettani (President of Paramedics Association), and Zahid Khan, condemned the alleged actions of these journalists and warned that if the situation is not addressed, employees across the district might be forced to go on strike. The protesters demanded that the unregistered press club and the journalists in question be stopped from interfering in government matters, emphasizing that the ongoing situation is affecting citizens' work and causing it to pile up in offices. On September 03, a petition was filed by the President of Tank Press Club, seeking a Judicial Magistrate’s order to grant a copy of FIR No. 199 of 2025. According to the petitioner, they have learned from reliable sources that this FIR has been registered against them. However, the authorities have not provided the petitioner with a copy of the FIR, prompting them to approach the court for relief. The petitioner requests that the court direct the authorities to provide the FIR copy within two days. 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 Muslim Editor Mohsin Khan shared his concerns with PPF regarding the challenges faced by journalists in Tank. He mentioned that two reporters, Waseem Mehsood and Akhtar Shehzad, work with them, filing reports with differing perspectives - Mehsood's reports tend to be anti-government and anti-administration, while Shehzad's work often favors the administration. Khan emphasized that their organization strives to maintain a balanced approach, publishing both types of reports without bias. According to Khan, the recent controversy surrounding the Deputy Commissioner (DC) began when a report criticizing the DC was published, followed by another report supporting the DC. However, the DC took the criticism personally, leading to difficulties for the journalists. Khan highlighted the already challenging environment for journalists in the area due to militancy, saying that the administration's aggressive behavior further exacerbates the situation, leaving journalists under immense pressure. 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 Tribal Union of Journalists-2 (TUJ-2), however, expressed concern over escalating tensions between Deputy Commissioner Tanveer Khattak and journalists in Tank, attributing the situation to the district administration's failure to resolve public issues through dialogue. Protests have erupted involving office staff and journalists from the Mehsud tribe, diverting journalists from their primary role of exposing corruption and public problems. The Tribal Union of Journalist-1 urges Deputy Commissioner Tank to focus on transparent administration rather than making allegations based on national prejudice. Notably, the Mehsud and Barki tribes comprise 60% of Tank's population and own over 70% of the property in Tank City, earned through their hard work as permanent residents. The TUJ requested the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to intervene, restore peace, and promote harmony among Tank's residents by eliminating national prejudice. Tribal Union of Journalist-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. The District Press Club Tank Secretary General, Sheikh Rehmat, shared his perspective with PPF, stating that the Tribes Press Club was established by individuals from South Waziristan, not permanent residents of Tank. The administration accused them of blackmail, but this claim remains unproven and is pending in court. Former President Khyber Union of Journalists, Nasir Hussain, stated that a protest was held against two YouTubers, Hayatullah and Waseem Mehsood, who allegedly blackmailed various government departments, including education and district administration, by threatening to tarnish their reputation. He claimed that these YouTubers demanded money from government officials. According to Hussain, the protest was supported by various government employee unions and media houses. He further mentioned that the situation had led to a deterioration in the area, causing many residents to shift to other places, such as Dera, Hazara, or Abbottabad.

Category of Incident

Attack on Property; Case Registered

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 0409- Other acts against property involving violence or threat against a person

ICCS Group:

ICCS Class:

ICCS Crime:

Reported By

PPF Safety Monitor

Date of incident

3

Month

September

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Waseem Mehmood

Other affected persons

Hayatullah

Name of affected organization

Tribes Press Club Tank

Other affected organizations

The Muslim, 21 News, Sadaye Lawaghat, Daily Hurmat and Cheegha News

Action by

Deputy Commissioner, Tank, Tanveer Khattak

City

Tank

Province

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Designation

President & General Secretary

Professional category

Journalists

Age of victim

N/K

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 ?: Yes

Date of FIR:

FIR Details: FIR # 122 was lodged on May 25, 2025, at Tank Police Station based on a complaint filed by Muhammad Anwar, Assistant Commissioner, Tank. The complaint alleged that during an operation to remove illegal encroachments in DC Compound, Shu Tank, President of Tribes Press Club Hayatullah, General Secretary Waseem Mahmood, and 5-6 other known and respected persons interfered in a provocative manner, threatening the officials and attempting to thwart (hinder) the official operation.

Police station of FIR: Tank Police Station

Name of complainant: Muhammad Anwar, Assistant Commissioner

Name of accused in FIR: Hayatullah, Tank PC, President, General Secretary Waseem Mahmood, and 5-6 other known and respected persons

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No

Court where case was presented: Judicial Magistrate

Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing: 03/09/2025

Status of court case: A petition was filed by the President of Tank Press Club, seeking a Judicial Magistrate’s order to grant a copy of FIR No. 199 of 2025. According to the petitioner, they have learned from reliable sources that this FIR has been registered against them. However, the authorities have not provided the petitioner with a copy of the FIR, prompting them to approach the court for relief. The petitioner requests that the court direct the authorities to provide the FIR copy within two days.

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

The Muslim Editor Mohsin Khan shared his concerns with PPF regarding the challenges faced by journalists in Tank. He mentioned that two reporters, Waseem Mehsood and Akhtar Shehzad, work with them, filing reports with differing perspectives - Mehsood's reports tend to be anti-government and anti-administration, while Shehzad's work often favors the administration. Khan emphasized that their organization strives to maintain a balanced approach, publishing both types of reports without bias. According to Khan, the recent controversy surrounding the Deputy Commissioner (DC) began when a report criticizing the DC was published, followed by another report supporting the DC. However, the DC took the criticism personally, leading to difficulties for the journalists. Khan highlighted the already challenging environment for journalists in the area due to militancy, saying that the administration's aggressive behavior further exacerbates the situation, leaving journalists under immense pressure.

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: The District Press Club Tank GS, Sheikh Rehmat, shared its perspective with PPF, stating that the Tribes Press Club was established by individuals from South Waziristan, not permanent residents of Tank. The administration accused them of blackmail, but this claim remains unproven and is pending in court

Press club 2: 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 3: Former President KHUJ, Nasir Hussain, stated that a protest was held against two YouTubers, Hayatullah and Waseem Mehsood, who allegedly blackmailed various government departments, including education and district administration, by threatening to tarnish their reputation. He claimed that these YouTubers demanded money from government officials.