Social media activist Usman Chaudhary detained by police outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi while reporting on Aleema Khan’s visit to her brother, former PM, Imran Khan.
FOE Link or motive by PPF
ConfirmedCase Update Status
The motive behind the detention appears to be the enforcement of unofficial media restrictions outside Adiala Jail rather than any targeted action against Chaudhary specifically.
Summary of Case
On April 8, 2025, Usman Chaudhary, a social media activist and independent YouTuber, was detained by police officers outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi while reporting on the visit of Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has been incarcerated since August 2023. Aleema Khan had arrived at the prison that day to visit her brother, and several journalists and independent media workers, including Chaudhary, were present to cover the event. Usman Chaudhary told PPF that he was reporting from the area near the jail entrance when police personnel instructed all media representatives—including reporters, YouTubers, and digital journalists—to maintain a distance of at least one kilometer from the prison. He explained that this was a relatively new restriction; in the past, media professionals were allowed to report from much closer and even conduct interviews on-site. Chaudhary stated that this new limitation had been enforced by the jail superintendent since Imran Khan’s arrest, though it remains unclear whether the order was communicated in writing or verbally. On the day of the incident, Chaudhary refused to relocate. He argued that he had the right to report from his current position and intended to interview Aleema Khan. In response, a police officer detained him on the spot and placed him inside a police van. Chaudhary was held for approximately one to two hours. He reported that he was not physically harmed or verbally abused during this time. Eventually, the intervention of the Chief City Police Officer (CCPO) led to his release without charges. Other journalists who were present at the scene confirmed the incident. Sheraz Silmani, a reporter associated with 365 News, clarified that he himself was not arrested but was asked to move away by police. He emphasized that he identifies as a digital content creator, not a traditional journalist. Another witness, Saqib Rathore, a reporter for Daily Kashmir, corroborated Chaudhary’s account, stating that he witnessed his detention, which lasted for about 30 minutes to one hour.
Category of Incident
Detained; Censorship
ICCS Status
ICCS Divisions: 08031- Unlawful restriction on free speach
ICCS Group: -
ICCS Class: -
ICCS Crime: 08031- Unlawful censorship
Reported By
Unreported
Date of incident
8
Month
April
Year
2025
Name of affected person
Usman Chaudhary
Other affected persons
Other journalists covering the hearing
Name of affected organization
N/A
Other affected organizations
N/A
Action by
Islamabad Police
City
Islamabad
Province
Capital
Designation
Youtuber
Professional category
Social activist
Age of victim
N/K
Marital Status
N/ACompensation Details
Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation was announced
Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A
Date of compensation paid by government: N/A
Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced
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: Case was not presented 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
N/A
APNS
N/A
CPNE
N/A
PBA
N/A
Condemn Status
Colleague of victim
N/A
Employer organization
N/A
Press Club Status
Press club 1: N/A
Press club 2: N/A
Press club 3: N/A