ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has strongly condemned the alleged death threats, harassment, and the spreading of fear and intimidation on social media directed at Muzaffar Abbasi—CEO of Azad Digital, Kashmir Digital, and Azad Technical—and his family.
The Union has termed these actions a direct assault on press freedom, fundamental human rights, and democratic values. It has made it clear that responding to dissent or journalistic criticism with threats and pressure is entirely unacceptable, and that there will be no compromise on the freedom of the press.
In their statements, RIUJ President Tariq Usmani and General Secretary Rizwan Ghilzai described the targeting of a journalist, or his children and family, in retaliation for investigative reporting or raising questions as deeply regrettable, alarming, and intolerable.
Referring to a formal complaint filed with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), they called for an impartial and transparent investigation into the alleged involvement of political figures and social media campaign accounts in character assassination and the issuance of threats, to identify the actual operators and bring them to justice. Strong Condemnation of the Silencing and Harassment of Journalists:
In joint and individual statements, Vice President Muhammad Faisal Awan, Javeria Siddique, Information Secretary Mudassar Ilyas Kiani, Finance Secretary Yasir Nazar, and Joint Secretaries Khalid Malik and Abdul Waheed Janjua emphasized that the use of intimidation and threats to silence journalists must cease.
They asserted that if anyone has an objection to a journalistic report, it should be addressed through reasoned argument and within appropriate legal forums, rather than by harassing the journalist’s family.
The journalistic leaders further stated that mere statements are insufficient to ensure the safety of journalists; the government must take concrete, practical steps and establish an effective protection system so that all media workers and their families can live in peace and security.
Demand for Immediate Action and Protection from High-Level Authorities:
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) has called upon the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister for Information, and the Federal Minister for Interior to take immediate cognizance of this serious matter.
The Union has urged the authorities to provide immediate, foolproof protection to the affected CEO, Muzaffar Abbasi, and his family, and to direct the NCCIA to conduct a transparent, impartial, and prompt investigation.
The RIUJ has reaffirmed its commitment that the journalistic community will continue to fulfill its constitutional, legal, and democratic role—and persist in its struggle—against any attempt to intimidate, harass, or suppress its voice.
