Case Update Status

No journalists appeared before the NCCIA

Summary of Case

In September, senior journalists from Lahore, including Secretary General PFUJ & President Lahore Press Club Arshad Ansari, Secretary General Crime Reporter Association & Dunya News reporter Sheikh Mujahid Latif, Ahmed Faraz, Waseem Sabir, and Sheraz Nisar, and Yasir Shamoon reporter Daily Social Pakistan have received call-up notices from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over allegations of sharing derogatory remarks against the Lahore Police Department. Pakistan Today reported that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) summoned Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club, for investigation over allegations of running a "highly malicious and defamatory campaign" against senior Punjab police officials and Aziz Ullah Khan. Ansari has been asked to appear at the NCCIA office; failure to comply may result in criminal proceedings under the Pakistan Penal Code. According to investigative freelance journalist Kamran Saqi, a controversy has emerged involving senior journalists of the Lahore Press Club, including Ahmed Faraz, Sheraz Nisar, Waseem Sabir, and Yasir Shamom, who have received notices from the National Crime Investigation Agency (NCIA). The notices appear to be a reaction to the journalists' reporting and activities against the police, particularly DIG Operations. Following the issuance of notices, the affected journalists have been engaging in various activities. The Electronic Media Reporters Association has issued a press release expressing concern over the matter, and other platforms are uniting in support. The journalist community is showing solidarity, with various associations backing the journalists. When contacted, Arshad Ansari didn’t share his insights on the matter, saying that facts are explained in the Press release of PFUJ. Sheikh Mujahid Latif, Secretary General of Lahore Crime Reporter Association and Dunya News reporter, revealed to PPF that he and fellow investigative journalists exposed a story about non-merit appointments and malpractices in the police department, specifically highlighting retired DSP Azizullah. In retaliation, Azizullah filed complaints against Mujahid and other journalists in multiple police stations, accusing them of spreading misinformation to defame him. The complaints were later sacked due to jurisdictional issues, with police advising Azizullah to approach the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). However, Mujahid had already filed a complaint against Azizullah for harassment, which was initially rejected by NCCIA. Surprisingly, NCCIA later accepted Azizullah's complaint and issued notices to the journalists for inquiry. Despite this, NCCIA has yet to respond further. The journalists are now protesting against this harassment, which they see as an attempt to suppress free voices. Geo News reporter Ahmed Faraz shared with PPF that he collaborated with Arshad Ansari on a vlog, which many journalists later shared on social media. Unfortunately, this led to a complaint being filed against them by Azizullah, a former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Ahmed Faraz revealed that they received a call-up notice from the NCCIA but have not appeared before the agency yet. Aziz Ullah Khan, a retired police officer and advocate, made a complaint with the SHO of Police Station Defence C, Lahore, seeking registration of a case against four individuals: Sheikh Mujahid Latif, Sher Ahmed Faraz, Yasir Shamoon, and Wasim Sabir. The complaint stated that on September 11, 2025, Yasir Shamoon uploaded a video on his YouTube channel, "Daily Social Pakistan," which was later shared on Facebook and WhatsApp groups. In the video, Khan claimed that Shamoon and others used derogatory language against him and DIG Operations Lahore, Faisal Kamran. It has been stated in the complaint that Khan again witnessed the video on September 13, 2025, when he was at his office. Khan claimed that the video, recorded at the Lahore Press Club, contained hateful and insulting content, and that Arshad Ansari, President of the Lahore Press Club, and Ahmed Faraz were also involved. Khan requested that a case be registered under relevant laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act and Pakistan Penal Code, for character assassination, damaging reputation, and defaming the police force. A similar complaint was filed with the SHO of Factory Area Police Station in Faisalabad against several individuals, including Sheikh Mujahid Latif, Sheraz Nisar, Yasir Shamoon, Waseem Sabir, Arshad Ansari, and Ahmed Faraz. The complainant, Farz Syed Ali Mehdi, alleged that Yasir Shamoon uploaded a video on YouTube, which was later shared on Facebook and other social media platforms, containing false and fabricated statements against senior police officers, including DIG Faisal Kamran and retired DSP Azizullah Khan. Aziz Ullah Khan posted on his Facebook account that he had visited the C-Defence Police Station in Lahore to register a case against certain YouTubers and journalists. He expressed gratitude to the SHO, Syed Raza Abbas, for treating him with respect and dignity. Khan also mentioned that he is fighting against a "mafia" and requested his followers to pray for him, indicating that the situation is challenging. A social media user, Saqlain Gondal, a police supporter, sparked controversy by suggesting that Lahore Police officers should avoid giving interviews to journalists to prevent media blackmail. He also made a provocative statement, implying that the police would "defeat" journalism. On September 16, an application was made before the Director of the National Cyber Crime Agency Lahore by the General Secretary of Lahore Crime Reporters Association, Sheikh Mujahid Latif, seeking legal action against YouTuber Azizullah Khan. According to the application, Azizullah Khan allegedly made a vlog containing serious false allegations against the applicant and other senior journalists, including Arshad Ansari (President of Lahore Press Club), Ahad Faraz, Shiraz Shar, Wasim Sabir, and Yasir Shamoon. The vlog reportedly termed journalists an "occupying group" and engaged in character assassination. Latif, in his complaint, emphasized journalism's role as the fourth pillar of the state and requested action under the Cyber Crime Act, citing video clips and photographic evidence supporting Khan's alleged pattern of targeting journalists. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore Zone issued a notice to journalist Sheikh Mujahid Latif on September 18, 2025. The notice directed him to appear in person at the NCCIA office in Lahore on September 22, 2025, at 10 AM, based on a complaint filed by Aziz Ullah Khan, accusing Latif of running a malicious and defamatory campaign against Khan and senior police officials, punishable under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (amended 2025), specifically Sections 20, 24, and 26-A. Similar notices were issued to Arshad Ansari, Ahmed Faraz, and other journalists involved- On September 22, DIG Faisal Kamran imposed a ban on police officers from participating in media interviews and podcasts without prior permission. This directive aims to enhance media coordination and management, ensuring that any media engagement by officers is sanctioned to avoid misunderstandings. Violations may lead to strict departmental actions, reported by City 24. Ahmed Faraz and Arshad Ansari discussed a case on RNN TV two weeks ago, highlighting police misconduct in the murder of two brothers killed by fruit sellers in Rawalpindi, Punjab. They framed the issue around lapses in the investigation, questions of due process, and the larger need for accountability and reforms to restore public trust in policing, while underscoring the potential influence of politics on investigations. They emphasized that truth must be spoken, and justice must walk hand in hand with the law. Faraz mentioned that if the investigation falters, the people will lose faith in those who hold the badge. Ansari said that accountability is not a punishment for officers, but a shield for public trust. The complainant claimed that the video defamed the entire police department and hurt the feelings of millions of fans. Mehdi requested that a case be registered against the accused for defamation, using bad language, and damaging the reputation of the police department. Lahore Press Club member appeared in a video interview conducted by Yasir Shamoon, posted by Daily Social Pakistan on September 11, focusing on the Lahore Police and alleging that DIG Faisal Kamran and former DSP Azizullah exceeded their powers. The narrative portrays a pattern of overreach and authority misuse, suggesting that certain police actions crossed constitutional or procedural boundaries. The interview frames accountability as essential, urging scrutiny from oversight bodies and the public to ensure policing adheres to legal standards and protects civil liberties. Throughout, the moderator prompted for concrete examples and implications for trust in law enforcement, culminating in a call for transparency, responses from the accused officials, and mechanisms to address such concerns in Pakistan’s urban centers. According to Voice.pk The Lahore Press Club, led by President Arshad Ansari, held a protest against the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) notices issued to several journalists. Arshad Ansari, in his address, rejected attempts to silence journalists through intimidation, saying, "We are not afraid of anyone. We will continue to speak the truth; handcuffs are our ornament." He revealed that NCCIA had issued notices to several journalists, including himself, Secretary of the Crime Reporters Association Mujahid Sheikh, Sheraz Nisar, Ahmad Faraz, Yasir Shamoon, and Waseem Sabir. The protest was supported by senior lawyers and bar associations, who expressed solidarity with the journalistic community. Ahsan Bhoon, former President of the Supreme Court Bar and Member of the Pakistan Bar Council, stated, "We stand with journalists. Police and NCCIA officials should develop the habit of listening to different opinions. We will not tolerate any kind of injustice against journalists." The lawyers condemned DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran and NCCIA Director Hashmat Kamal for what they described as "illegal notices and harassment tactics" against media personnel. Asif Niswana, President of Lahore High Court Bar, emphasized the unity between lawyers and journalists, warning that if any illegal step is taken, lawyers will also be on the streets with journalists. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has given the government a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the notices and take action against responsible officials, threatening countrywide protests and boycotts if demands aren't met. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari termed these actions "a serious attack on press freedom and freedom of expression". A joint meeting of the Lahore Press Club and Crime Reporters Association was held on September 11, 2025, where journalists strongly condemned the behavior of DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran. The meeting unanimously decided to boycott all events and activities organized by DIG Operations Lahore, and if Kamran's behavior doesn't change, a strong protest will be held in front of the Chief Minister's House. The journalists raised slogans against DIG Operations Faisal Kamran and Lahore Police, and a resolution was passed canceling the membership of Adnan Bhatti, who was accused of writing an article that seemed to represent the police rather than the journalists. Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari assured the crime reporters of the club's support, stating that Kamran's use of vulgar language and threats against journalists would not be tolerated. General Secretary of the Crime Reporters Association, Mujahid Sheikh, announced a complete boycott of DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, and other journalists, including Ahmed Faraz, Babar Khan, and Hammad Aslam, also expressed their views in the meeting. The decision to protest was made to hold Kamran accountable for his actions and to ensure the safety of journalists in Lahore. Freedom Network expressed deep concern over the issuance of cybercrime notices to Arshad Ansari, Secretary General of the Punjab Union of Journalists (PFUJ), and several crime reporters. The organization views these actions as intimidation tactics aimed at silencing critical reporting and undermining media freedom. Freedom Network extended its support to PFUJ, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the notices and protection of journalists' rights in Punjab. Electronic Media Reporters Association (EMRA), however, issued a press release on September 22, 2025, expressing its disinterest in the recent protests and confrontations with the police. EMRA stated it has no connection with the ongoing protest activities, emphasizing its neutrality as the largest representative organization of electronic media reporters in Pakistan. In a joint statement, EMRA leaders, including President Muhammad Asif Butt, condemned journalists who use their profession as a shield for personal interests and blackmail. They questioned the silence of journalistic organizations on past incidents, such as attacks on senior journalists' homes and the occupation of the journalist colony land. EMRA's opposed using journalism for personal gain and directs its members to avoid unconstitutional activities.

Category of Incident

Legal Action

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions:

ICCS Group:

ICCS Class:

ICCS Crime:

Reported By

Pakistan Today

Date of incident

18

Month

September

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Arshad Ansari

Other affected persons

Ahmed Faraz, Waseem Sabir, Sheraz Nisar, Yasir Shamoon and Sheikh Mujahid Latif

Name of affected organization

PFUJ

Other affected organizations

Lahore Press Club , Crime Reporter Association, Geo News, Daily Social Pakistan and Dunya News

Action by

NCCIA

City

Lahore

Province

Punjab

Designation

Designate of PFUJ and reporters

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 ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: N/A

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:

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has given the government a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the notices and take action against responsible officials, threatening countrywide protests and boycotts if demands aren't met. PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari termed these actions "a serious attack on press freedom and freedom of expression.

APNS

Not condemned

CPNE

Not condemned

PBA

Not condemned

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

Electronic Media Reporters Association (EMRA), however, issued a press release on September 22, 2025, expressing its disinterest in the recent protests and confrontations with the police. EMRA stated it has no connection with the ongoing protest activities, emphasizing its neutrality as the largest representative organization of electronic media reporters in Pakistan. In a joint statement, EMRA leaders, including President Muhammad Asif Butt, condemned journalists who use their profession as a shield for personal interests and blackmail. They questioned the silence of journalistic organizations on past incidents, such as attacks on senior journalists' homes and the occupation of the journalist colony land. EMRA's opposed using journalism for personal gain and directs its members to avoid unconstitutional activities.

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: N/A

Press club 2: N/A

Press club 3: N/A