Case Update Status

Dawn reported that the Peshawar High Court suspended a call-up notice issued to three journalists by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over a complaint filed by Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Mehsud.

Summary of Case

In September 2025, several journalists from Peshawar, including Pakhtoon Digital representatives, including Salman Yousafzai, Anum Arshad Malik, Bol News Bureau Chief Zahir Shirazi, Aqeel Yousafzai, and Sajid Takkar, received notices from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) alleging defamation against Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Mehsud. The notices were related to a story about a development project where incorrect figures were cited. The journalists were asked to appear before the NCCIA inquiry officer, but the notices lacked specific details about the allegations. The Peshawar High Court later suspended these notices, restricting the NCCIA from taking coercive action against the journalists. Tribal News Network reported that the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Peshawar has summoned five journalists to appear before it on September 30. They are accused of spreading false and defamatory content against Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Mehsud on social media. The journalists, Sajid Takkar, Salman Yousafzai, Aqeel Yousafzai, Zahir Shah Shirazi, and Anam Malik, allegedly launched an organized campaign against the commissioner, leveling allegations of mismanagement and corruption. According to the News, the NCCIA claims that the content falls under offenses outlined in the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 and the Pakistan Penal Code. If the journalists fail to appear, the agency may take unilateral action, including confiscating property or social media accounts. Dawn reported that the Peshawar High Court suspended a call-up notice issued to three journalists by the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over a complaint filed by Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Mehsud. The journalists, Sajid Takkar, Zahir Shah Sherazi, and Anum Arshad, were asked to appear in an inquiry related to a story they published about a project in Peshawar. The court's decision came after the journalists' lawyer Sajeed Afridi and Barrister Huzaifa Ahmad argued that the notice lacked specificity about the allegations, merely mentioning "false, defamatory, and misleading content" without providing details about the offending material. This, the lawyer contended, violated the petitioners' right to due process and fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution. According to the report, the court, comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Dr. Khurshid Iqbal, accepted the petitioners' arguments and suspended the notices. The court also issued notices to the NCCIA and other concerned authorities, directing them to submit a detailed response at the next hearing. Kamran Shah spoke to PPF and stated that there were reports of corruption against Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud, against whom a legal notice was first sent, and now notices have been issued by the FIA. The Peshawar High Court on September 30 suspended notices issued to journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). The court's decision came after a petition was filed by a journalist challenging the notices sent by the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Cyber Crime department. During the hearing, the petitioner's lawyer argued that the notices did not specify the offense or the location where the alleged crime was committed. The court, comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Khurshid Iqbal, accepted the petitioner's arguments and suspended the notices. The court also issued notices to the FIA Cyber Crime department and other parties, seeking their responses at the next hearing. According to Daily Times senior reporter from Peshawar, Arshad Yousufzai, the case against journalists stems from a controversial editorial decision made by Pakhtun Digital, where an investigative story penned by reporters Salman Yousafzai and Anam Malik was published with unconfirmed figures regarding two projects. Despite the reporters' caution about the lack of credible information on the amount of funds used, the outlet proceeded with the story, which led to Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud filing a defamation suit and later invoking the PECA Act. Yousufzai stated that Khyber Union of Journalists President Kashifuddin, who is also the editor of Pakhtun Digital, is allegedly linked to a funding organization based in Islamabad/Rawalpindi. While Salman, Anam, and Sajid are seen as minor players in the controversy, Aqeel Yousafzai, Zahir Shah Sherazi, and Kashifuddin are believed to be the key figures associated with the organization. In a recent development, the accused successfully obtained a stay order against the PECA summons through their lawyer, Tariq Afghan. However, they still face a significant defamation case worth PKR 500 million, said Yousufzai. Journalists from Peshawar Abdul Qayyum Afridi confirmed to PPF that Commissioner Peshawar had sent notices under the PECA Act to three journalists and two analysts associated with Pakhtun Digital after they made corruption allegations against him. Afridi stated that although the news agency issued a denial statement, the notices were still sent. However, the journalists petitioned the Peshawar High Court, which suspended the notices and sought a response from the relevant authorities. Pakhtun Digital reporter Salman Yousafzai spoke to PPF, detailing that he had done a ground story about a walking track project in Hayatabad, Peshawar, under the administrative lead of Commissioner Riaz Mehsud. Zai stated that he had based his story on data, which suggested that the allocated funds for the project were not properly utilized. However, after the story was published and podcasts were aired by other journalists, Deputy Commissioner Mehsud sent a legal notice demanding an apology and clarification on the data, citing incorrect figures and alleging defamation, with a warning of a PKR 5 million defamation case. The journalists approached Mehsud, requesting the correct data to enable them to make corrections to the story, but he didn't provide the information. Later, they received notices from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) without clear allegations. With the efforts of the Khyber Union of Journalists (KHUJ) and Peshawar Press Club leadership, a petition was filed before the High Court against all notices, including a previous one served to journalist Irfan Khan. Their lawyer, Tariq Afghan, successfully had the notices dismissed by the High Court, said Zai. Bol News Bureau Chief Zahir Sherazi told PPF that he received a notice from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The notice lacked clarity on the allegations, merely stating that the Commissioner of Peshawar had filed a complaint against him. When Sherazi contacted DG Cyber Crime Salman Khan, he was informed that the notice was issued due to pressure from the bureaucracy, specifically the Commissioner. Sherazi explained that as a journalist, he often highlights administrative issues in Peshawar and is known for his clear and direct statements. He emphasized that he would not retract his statements, citing his right to free expression. Sherazi chose not to appear before the NCCIA but mentioned another case filed against him by the Secretary of Establishment. The hearing for this case is scheduled for October 13, although details about the court and proceedings are still unclear, he said. Sherazi described Commissioner Mehsood as someone who likes to trouble people and show his authority. He expressed confusion about the notice, as it lacked specific allegations, similar to the notices sent to other reporters from Pakhtun Digital regarding incorrect figures in a story about a project. Shirazi didn’t mention any specific story, and he also had no detailed idea about the action by the Secretary establishment, he said. The Khyber Union of Journalists (KHUJ) strongly condemned the issuance of notices to senior journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) by Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Mehsud. KHUJ President Kashifuddin Syed and General Secretary Irshad Ali criticized Commissioner Mehsud's actions, calling PECA a "black law" designed to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression. They pointed out the irony that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has rejected PECA, yet officials are using it to intimidate journalists for performing their duties. The union leaders accused Commissioner Mehsud of lacking the courage to tolerate positive criticism, acting like a monarch, and violating fundamental constitutional rights. They emphasized that KHUJ will not accept any attempts to curb journalism and will continue to convey the truth to the public. KHUJ Secretary General Irshad Ali Khan Maidai also endorsed the issue. Ehtisham Khan, Secretary General of the Peshawar Press Club, speaking to PPF, highlighted the challenges faced by journalists working in conflict zones and volatile areas, particularly emphasizing the impact of the PECA Act. This law has led to increased threats, notices, and legal actions against journalists by the government and law enforcement agencies, aiming to intimidate and silence them. Civil society has become increasingly active in addressing these issues and advocating for the rights of journalists, said Khan. The Peshawar Press Club has taken a significant step to protect its members' rights by approaching the Peshawar High Court. Khan stated that the club's initiative aims to safeguard its members' interests and uphold press freedom. He emphasized the need for a safe and independent environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.

Category of Incident

Legal Action

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions:

ICCS Group:

ICCS Class:

ICCS Crime:

Reported By

Dawn

Date of incident

25

Month

September

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Salman Yousufzai

Other affected persons

Zahir Shirazi, Sajid Thakkar, and female journalist Anam Malik

Name of affected organization

Pakhtoon Digital

Other affected organizations

Bol News

Action by

Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud

City

Peshawar

Province

KP

Designation

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 ?: Case was not initiated before any court

Court where case was presented: Case was not initiated before any court

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

Not condemned

APNS

Not condemned

CPNE

Not condemned

PBA

Not condemned

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

The Khyber Union of Journalists (KHUJ) strongly condemned the issuance of notices to senior journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) by Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Mehsud. KHUJ President Kashifuddin Syed and General Secretary Irshad Ali criticized Commissioner Mehsud's actions, calling PECA a "black law" designed to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression. They pointed out the irony that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has rejected PECA, yet officials are using it to intimidate journalists for performing their duties. The union leaders accused Commissioner Mehsud of lacking the courage to tolerate positive criticism, acting like a monarch, and violating fundamental constitutional rights. They emphasized that KHUJ will not accept any attempts to curb journalism and will continue to convey the truth to the public. KHUJ GS Irshad Ali Khan Maidai also endorsed the issue.

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: Ehtisham Khan, Secretary General of the Peshawar Press Club, speaking to PPF, highlighted the challenges faced by journalists working in conflict zones and volatile areas, particularly emphasizing the impact of the PECA Act. This law has led to increased threats, notices, and legal actions against journalists by the government and law enforcement agencies, aiming to intimidate and silence them. Civil society has become increasingly active in addressing these issues and advocating for the rights of journalists, said Khan. The Peshawar Press Club has taken a significant step to protect its members' rights by approaching the Peshawar High Court. Khan stated that the club's initiative aims to safeguard its members' interests and uphold press freedom. He emphasized the need for a safe and independent environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear or intimidation.

Press club 2: N/A

Press club 3: N/A