Case Update Status

No updates available

Summary of Case

On September 30, Khyber News correspondent Hassan Khan received information from Ehsan Tipu, an editor at The Khorasan Diary, that he had been identified as an intelligence worker in a Tehreek-e-Taliban podcast conversation. The Khorasan Diary is a reputable source known for providing real-time information and analysis on the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. On Oct 8, Khan wrote to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), bringing to their attention a life-threatening situation he was facing from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Khan stated that a TTP spokesperson had named him in an interview, accusing him of working for state propaganda against the movement and threatening action if he didn't change his ways. The threat had been circulating on social media, causing Khan significant distress. Khan requested the PFUJ's intervention, suggesting they approach Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to address the issue with Afghanistan's interim Interior Minister, given the TTP's alleged presence in Kabul. Khan shared his concerns with the PPF, detailing a recent development that has put him in a precarious situation. Khan, who has been associated with Khyber News for four years and previously worked with Dawn and Khyber TV, runs two YouTube channels - one in Pashto and the other in Urdu - focusing on investigative reporting, intelligence agencies, and the Taliban regime. Khan received information from Ehsan Tipu, editor of Khorasan Diary, that he had been mentioned in an interview by a Tehreek-e-Taliban spokesperson. The spokesperson alleged that Khan was working with intelligence agencies and sharing statements against the Taliban. Tipu asked Khan to record a response, but he declined, fearing it could lead to serious consequences if it went public. However, a week later, the interview went viral on social media, with many sharing it. Khan's colleagues advised him to reach out to the PFUJ for support, but he was disappointed that no solidarity or statement was issued in his favor. Khan expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that despite informing his Chief Executive of Khyber News about the threat, he received no response or support. Instead, Khan felt that his CEO seemed intimidated and fearful of being associated with him, which further exacerbated his sense of vulnerability. The threat, which directly mentioned Khan's name, appeared to have had a chilling effect on the organization's willingness to stand by him. Khan emphasized that he doesn't seek protests or publicity but rather a show of support and concern to boost his morale. He suggested that the PFUJ could discuss his situation with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who could then communicate with the Afghan Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, to resolve the misunderstanding. This isn't the first time Khan has faced such threats. In 2008, he received a call from the then-TTP spokesperson, Muslim Khan, summoning him to Swat to address complaints against him. Khan refused, and despite efforts by some journalists to intervene, he faced threats and had to take precautionary measures. Khan also recounted an incident in 2011 when the American embassy offered him support and a possible job, which he declined, citing his love for Pakistan and unwillingness to work in a controlled environment. He emphasized that as a journalist, he couldn't accept security measures that would compromise his independence. In an official discussion on Umar Media, TTP representative Mufti Ghufran, answering host Muneeb Jatt, about Khan's bold anti-Taliban programs, criticized that some journalists work under the guise of journalism but actually serve as mouthpieces for the military. Ghufran warns such individuals to reassess their stance, suggesting they might be perceived as dangerous if they continue to toe the military's line while pretending to be impartial journalists. Ghufran expressed concern that these individuals are taking advantage of the military's leniency and exploiting their position to further their own interests. They caution that if these journalists don't change their ways, action might be taken against them. Ghufran advised Khan to prioritize his own safety and well-being, suggesting he could face consequences if he doesn't adjust his behavior. Ghufran urged the journalists to reevaluate their role and responsibilities. The YouTube channel “Hassan Khan Journalist” primarily features programs focused on political analysis, national and regional affairs, and international developments, especially related to Pakistan, Afghanistan, and South Asia. The channel presents a mix of news commentary, expert discussions, historical insights, and travel-based reporting, often highlighting social, political, and security issues. Khan frequently analyzes conflict zones, border relations, and media challenges in the region, offering detailed context and expert viewpoints. In addition to long-format discussions, the channel also includes short news clips and vlogs, making it a blend of informative journalism, historical storytelling, and contemporary political coverage. Kamran Hamid Raja, CEO of Khyber News, told PPF that Khyber News, Raja said that Khyber News published every sort of news, corresponded by its employees; however, the organization wasn't aware of Khan's incident with the TTP, where he was threatened, and suggested Khan share the details himself.

Category of Incident

Threats

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: 0201-Acts causing harm or intending to cause harm to the person

ICCS Group: 02012

ICCS Class:

ICCS Crime: Threat

Reported By

N/A

Date of incident

30

Month

September

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Hassan Khan

Other affected persons

N/A

Name of affected organization

Khyber News

Other affected organizations

N/A

Action by

Workers of Tehreek-e-Taliban, Pakistan

City

Islamabad

Province

Federal Capital

Designation

Correspondent

Professional category

Journalist

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

No statement recorded

APNS

No statement recorded

CPNE

No statement recorded

PBA

No statement recorded

Media Source Status

Media reports:

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