Crackdown on Criticism of the Military During PTI’s Rule (2018–2022)

During the tenure of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, several legal and administrative measures were introduced to curb criticism of the military and state institutions. These efforts ranged from legislative proposals to law-enforcement crackdowns and media regulation plans. While not all initiatives became law, they represent a consistent pattern of suppressing dissent and restricting freedom of expression.

1. Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2020 – Section 500-A

In September 2020, PTI Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Amjad Ali Khan introduced the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly. The bill sought to insert a new Section 500-A into the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). This proposed section criminalized any act that “intentionally ridicules, defames, or brings into disrepute the Armed Forces of Pakistan or any member thereof.” The punishment prescribed was up to two years in prison, or a fine up to ₨ 500,000, or both. In April 2021, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior approved the bill by a narrow 5–4 vote, with the chairman casting the decisive ballot.

The bill faced strong backlash from journalists, civil society, and even members of PTI itself. Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry dismissed the bill as a “ridiculous idea,” arguing that “respect is earned, not imposed.” Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari also opposed the move. The bill, however, highlighted the government’s intent to legislate restrictions on military criticism. Although it never made it to the full assembly for final passage, its approval at committee level during PTI’s rule was a significant development in Pakistan’s legal landscape regarding free speech.

Points (Evidence):

• Introduced by PTI MNA Amjad Ali Khan in September 2020 (JURIST).

• Proposed Section 500-A in the PPC, punishing criticism of the Armed Forces with 2 years jail and/or ₨ 500,000 fine (Dawn).

• Approved in April 2021 by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior (vote 5–4) (The Diplomat).

• Fawad Chaudhry: called it “ridiculous” (Dawn).

• Shireen Mazari: echoed opposition (New Indian Express).

• Did not become law but showed PTI’s willingness to formalize restrictions on dissent.

2. Crackdown via FIA and PECA (2019–2021)

Alongside legislative attempts, the PTI government actively used existing laws to suppress dissent. The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 was repeatedly invoked against journalists, political activists, and social media users accused of “defaming” the army or other state institutions. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out several crackdowns where activists were arrested, summoned, or harassed for their online posts.

For instance, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed announced in January 2021 that the government would take action “within 72 hours” against anyone making anti-army remarks, signalling a zero-tolerance policy for dissent on social platforms. Several journalists were detained or interrogated during this period, and civil society organisations reported a climate of fear where self-censorship became widespread. The PTI government, while publicly championing freedom of speech, in practice relied on the FIA and PECA to intimidate critics of the military.

Points (Evidence):

• FIA launched investigations and detained social media users over “anti-army” campaigns (Dawn).

• Sheikh Rashid vowed “72-hour action” against those speaking against the army in January 2021 (Dawn).

• Journalists reported harassment, summons, and arrests under PECA provisions (Dawn).

• Human rights bodies highlighted widespread self-censorship due to fear of reprisals.

3. Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) Proposal – 2021

In June 2021, the PTI government proposed the creation of the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA). This was envisioned as a centralized regulatory body that would replace all existing media regulators and oversee print, television, radio, and digital media under one framework. The PMDA was given proposed powers that were described by journalists as “draconian.”

Under the plan, the PMDA could establish Media Tribunals empowered to hand down sentences of up to three years imprisonment and impose fines up to ₨ 25 million for violations. Every media outlet would be required to obtain an annual license from the authority, effectively putting press freedom under direct government control. The proposal sparked outrage among media workers, opposition parties, and international watchdogs such as Amnesty International, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA). Critics labelled the PMDA a form of “media martial law.” Due to strong backlash, the proposal was never implemented, but it demonstrated PTI’s intent to institutionalize censorship.

Points (Evidence):

• Announced in June 2021 by PTI government (Stimson).

• Proposed to regulate all forms of media (TV, print, digital, radio) under one body.

• Empowered tribunals to impose 3 years jail + ₨ 25 million fines (Hindustan Times).

• Condemned internationally: WAN-IFRA, IFJ, IPA, Amnesty all opposed it.

• Called a “media martial law” by journalists’ associations (The Print).

• Eventually dropped due to backlash, but revealed intent to curb free press.

The PTI government’s approach to criticism of the military and state institutions was marked by legal attempts, administrative crackdowns, and media regulation plans.

• The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2020 sought to criminalize criticism of the Armed Forces with prison terms and heavy fines.

• The FIA and PECA were used extensively to arrest, interrogate, and silence activists and journalists.

• The PMDA proposal of 2021 threatened to centralize control of all media under government tribunals, with draconian punishments.

Though not all measures were passed into law, the consistent pattern of suppression under PTI created an atmosphere where journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens were afraid to question the military, thereby eroding Pakistan’s fragile freedom of expression.

absolutely ridiculous idea to criminalise criticism, respect is earned, cannot be imposed on people, I strongly feel instead of new such laws Contempt of Court laws should be repealed …. https://t.co/iKMuaK6gwU

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) April 8, 2021

Attacks on Journalists:

In 2021, journalist Absar Alam was shot and injured, and Asad Ali Toor was assaulted by unidentified men, with both incidents linked to their criticism of the government or military. While direct evidence tying PTI to these attacks is limited, the pattern of harassment aligns with RSF’s concerns.

Media Restrictions under Imran Khan and the “Media Predator” Label

During Imran Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan (2018–2022), the country witnessed severe restrictions on press freedom, which ultimately led to him being labeled as a “Press Freedom Predator” by international watchdog organizations.

According to Federal Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khan’s government carried out actions such as attacks, kidnappings, and imprisonment of journalists, while also pressuring media outlets to support the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA). These measures were seen as part of a broader strategy to control public narratives, including criticism of the military or government.

In 2021, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) included Imran Khan in its list of Press Freedom Predators. The organization stated that Pakistan under his rule was “reliving some of the worst moments of its past military dictatorship.”

Key Facts:

• Pakistan dropped 12 places in the World Press Freedom Index in 2022, ranking 157th globally.

• Between April 2021 and May 2022, at least 86 documented attacks on journalists were reported, many attributed to state actors.

These developments underline how press freedom came under intense pressure during Imran Khan’s government, earning him the controversial global title of “Media Predator

List of the Details he was earned label a Press Freedom Predator.

1. Muhammad Hayat Khan (aka Hayat Preghal) — July–Sept 2018
   Charges / law cited: PECA sections (social-media content allegedly critical of state), PPC sections 500 & 109 (as reported).
   What happened: Preghal — a vocal PTM / Pashtun activist on social media — was reportedly taken into FIA custody while visiting family in Dera Ismail Khan. His family did not know his whereabouts for several days. His devices and social accounts were accessed by FIA cybercrime. He was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) and lost employment abroad during the proceedings.
   Outcome / status: Granted post-arrest bail by IHC (Sept 25, 2018); name removed from ECL in March 2022 after acquittal application and court direction; long legal process.
   References: The Express Tribune (bail report); Amnesty International (call for release / prisoner-of-conscience briefing). The Express TribuneAmnesty International

2. Ismail Mehsud — Aug 2019 (FIR / raid reported in Aug 2019)
   Charges / law cited: PECA Sections 10 & 11 (allegations of hate / anti-state content) and PPC section 109 (abetment) — as per FIRs.
   What happened: A list of social-media accounts (allegedly spreading “anti-state” or “hate” material) was submitted to FIA Peshawar. Mehsud’s house in Islamabad was reportedly raided in Aug 2019; he was taken to Peshawar and presented before court. Devices were seized. The incident raised questions about jurisdiction (resident of Islamabad taken to Peshawar) and transparency.
   Outcome / status: Remanded / sent to Peshawar jail; case/trial remained pending for extended periods (no final widely reported conviction).
   References: Dawn / investigative reporting on list and raids; reporting of raids and FIRs. Dawn+1

3. Dr. Abdul Hai (Abdul Hai Wazir) — 2019
   Charges / law cited: PECA Sections 10 & 11 and PPC 109 (per FIR).
   What happened: Reported nighttime raid at his Peshawar residence; he was detained after his Facebook account and an associated phone number were cited in the FIA application. Devices were seized. He was presented before court and remanded to jail.
   Outcome / status: Spent time in Peshawar jail; later granted bail by Peshawar High Court; trial had not commenced for a long period after FIR registration.
   References: Local reporting and social media reporting; investigations noted in news aggregations on PTM crackdown. Al JazeeraX (formerly Twitter)

4. Alam Zeb Mehsud / Alamzeb Mehsud (PTM activists, multiple incidents) — Jan–Aug 2019 (and earlier/later dates)
   Charges / law cited: Multiple charges reported including inciting hatred/rioting / derogatory remarks (various police/FIA actions). PECA used in several related probes.
   What happened: Several PTM leaders/organisers (including Alamzeb/Alam Zeb Mehsud) were arrested or remanded in different cities during 2018–2019 amid heightened crackdown on PTM protests. PTM’s rise after Naqeebullah Mehsud’s killing made it a primary focus; many PTM activists’ social media was used as ground for action.
   Outcome / status: Short-term remands and arrests; repeated legal harassment and prolonged inquiry.
   References: Al Jazeera coverage of PTM arrests; human-rights/monitoring reports on PTM crackdown. Al JazeeraEFSAS

5. Shahzeb Jillani (journalist) — April 2019 (case reported)
   Charges / law cited: Charged with “cyber-terrorism” / PECA sections (reports vary) and related PPC sections for allegedly “defamatory” or “anti-state” reporting.
   What happened: FIA reportedly filed a case against Jillani over coverage of enforced disappearances and related critical reporting; the case was framed around “cyber” offences. International press freedom groups flagged the charges as intimidation of journalists.
   Outcome / status: Bail extensions and legal proceedings; coverage reported by Al Jazeera and press-freedom NGOs.
   References: Al Jazeera, RSF statements and other reporting on the case and press-freedom concerns. Al JazeeraReporters Without Borders

6. Rizwanur Rehman Razi (Din News host) — Feb 2019
   Charges / law cited: PECA Sections 11 & 20 and PPC section 500 (defamation) as reported in the FIR.
   What happened: FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing registered a case alleging defamatory and “obnoxious” social-media posts against judiciary and state institutions. Phone seized and forensic report produced; the FIR noted reported admission/apology by subject per FIA report.
   Outcome / status: FIA report indicated an admission and assurance not to repeat; factual/legal follow-ups reported in news.
   References: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Dawn reporting. Committee to Protect JournalistsDawn

7. Waleed Butt (PML-N youth leader) — June 2019 (reported)
   Charges / law cited: PECA Sections 11 & 20 (alleged “hateful content” and defamation of institutions) plus PPC sections (news reports cited 500, 505 etc.).
   What happened: Arrested by FIA’s Cyber Crime wing over alleged posts considered abusive / hateful to state institutions and leaders. Authorities attributed aggressive language against judiciary, army officers and PM to him.
   Outcome / status: Arrest and FIR; case reported in national press.
   References: Dawn reporting on the arrest and FIA statement. Dawn

8. Mian Tariq Mahmood (in judge Arshad Malik video case) — July–Aug 2019
   Charges / law cited: FIRs under PECA / cyber-investigation as linked to video leak and related offences; remand under FIA custody reported.
   What happened: Arrested in connection with sale/leak of a video featuring Judge Arshad Malik. He alleged torture and later gave statements implicating networks of sale/blackmail. Multiple arrests and remands followed; FIA conducted raids and seizures.
   Outcome / status: Remanded to FIA custody; medical report ordered by court; judicial remands and ongoing probe reported.
   References: Dawn, The Tribune, other local coverage of the judge-video scandal and arrests. Dawn+1The Express Tribune

9. Mohsin (Mohsin Jamil / Mohsin Baig) — journalists/media personalities — 2021–2022 incidents
   Charges / law cited: Cases varied — Anti-Terrorism Act/FIA actions/PECA cited in different reports; specifics vary by incident.
   What happened: Multiple high-profile media figures (reports cite Mohsin Jamil Baig / Mohsin Baig) faced raids, arrests or FIRs. One raid and arrest (Feb 2022) led to IHC criticism of FIA and eventual bail; IHC later dismissed one case and ordered reports on alleged police torture. Press freedom groups protested.
   Outcome / status: Mixed — bail granted in some instances; IHC directed inquiries into raids and abuse; some cases dismissed.
   References: IFJ, The Tribune, Pakistan Today reporting on raids, arrests and IHC orders. IFJThe Express TribunePakistan Today

10. Cases linked to posting Jamal Khashoggi image / protests during Saudi Crown Prince visit (2019) — March–April 2019
    Charges / law cited: FIA enquiries and direction to register enquiries against social-media users for “disrespectful” DPs; PECA cited in some follow-ups.
    What happened: FIA circulated a letter naming individuals whose social-media display pictures showed Jamal Khashoggi. Authorities requested enquiries for the political sensitivity around a visiting head-of-state. The matter led to public condemnation but also to FIRs and inquiries against some individuals.
    Outcome / status: In some cases the matter ended after public reaction; in others it resulted in FIRs or temporary investigations.
    References: Reporting on the letter and subsequent FIRs in national press; Dawn coverage. Dawn+1

11. Miscellaneous / pattern summary (2018–2022)
    What happened: Across 2018–2022, PECA and cybercrime provisions were repeatedly invoked against: PTM activists, journalists critical of enforced disappearances or state institutions, political activists (from multiple parties), and ordinary social-media users. Tactics commonly reported included: night raids, device seizures, remands in distant jurisdictions, placement on ECL, long pending trials, need to seek high-court bail, and economic / social harm to accused. International NGOs (Amnesty, RSF, CPJ, IFJ) and local rights groups repeatedly flagged the pattern as intimidation of dissent.
    Outcome / status: Many cases lingered; some led to bail or dismissal; many caused prolonged disruption to livelihoods and free expression. Courts occasionally intervened (bail, criticism of FIA practice), but the overall pattern of legal intimidation via PECA was documented.
    References: Dawn investigative series (“Project PECA II”), Amnesty International briefs, Al Jazeera, RSF and CPJ coverage. DawnAmnesty InternationalAl JazeeraReporters Without Border
    

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    And the list is continuing.

    2018 — Early Surge in PECA Usage

    13 July 2018 — Haroon Ali (Jhelum/Lahore)
    Law(s): PECA Section 24
    Action: FIA Cybercrime raid on home in Dina; arrest for running fake Facebook account “Ro Imran Ro” allegedly defaming PTI figures.
    Description: Accused of posting malicious content invoking Mumtaz Qadri symbolism against Fawad Chaudhry, threatening his safety.
    Outcome/Status: Arrest formalized; case under PECA §24. (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    5 June 2018 – 19 September 2018 — Hayat Preghal (Dera Ismail Khan / Rawalpindi)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 9, 10; PPC §§ 500, 109
    Action: FIR No. 31/2018 lodged; arrest and detention; bail conditions included surrendering passport and ECL placement.
    Outcome: Bail granted 19 Sept 2018; released with bail conditions; full acquittal only came later (2022).
    (Source: your data + Express Tribune / Amnesty references)

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    Date around 19 September 2018 — Faisal Raza Abidi (Islamabad)
    Law(s): ATA § 7; PPC §§ 500, 501, 505(II), 228, 121, 109
    Action: FIR No. 203/2018 lodged based on Supreme Court PRO complaint; arrest on 10 October; bail and then acquittal in May 2019.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    Also 19 September 2018 — Faisal Raza Abidi, Hans Masroor, Ahsan Saleem (Islamabad)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10(a), 11, 20; PPC §§ 109, 509
    Action: FIR No. 05/2018 for hosting “anti-judiciary” web content; arrest and interim bail; acquitted by 18 July 2019.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    26 September 2018 — Unidentified persons (Islamabad)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10(a), 11, 20; PPC §§ 109, 506
    Action: FIR No. 06/2018 for malicious YouTube posts targeting IHC judges; against alias ‘Chacha Shakoor’.
    Outcome: Investigation underway at FIR level.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    2019 — The PTM Crackdown and Broader Reach

    14 February 2019 — Unnamed suspects (Multan)
    Law(s): PPC §§ 500, 506, 109; MPO §§ 14, 16; Punjab Sound Systems Regulation §§ 3, 6
    Action: Arrested for delivering hate speech and defamation against state officials; video uploaded on social media.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    8 February 2019 — Rizwan Razi (Lahore)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 11, 20; PPC § 500, 123-A
    Action: FIR No. 24/2019 for allegedly defamatory content; granted bail on 10 Feb; denied extended FIA custody.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    16 March 2019 — Azhar Hussain (Vehari)
    Law(s): Telegraph Act § 25
    Action: FIR No. 129/2019 for satirical social media posts about Imran Khan and Army Chief.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    28 March 2019 — Asim Azhar (Bahawalpur)
    Law(s): PPC § 124-A; MPO § 16
    Action: FIR No. 158/2019 for allegedly anti-government and anti-army Facebook comments.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    6 April 2019 — Journalists and activists (Islamabad/Rawalpindi)
    Law(s): None (letter from FIA)
    Action: Inquiry ordered for six individuals — Matiullah Jan, Murtaza Solangi, Azaz Syed, Ammar Masood, Umer Cheema, Ahmed Waqas Goraya — for using Jamal Khashoggi’s image as DP; seen as “disrespectful” during Saudi Crown Prince visit.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    8 April 2019 — Shahzeb Jillani (Karachi)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10(a), 11, 20; PPC §§ 34, 109, 500
    Action: FIR No. 06/2019 for alleged defamatory televised remarks; initial sections withdrawn; final charge: non-cognizable PECA §20; case disposed as C-class 18 May 2019.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    12 June 2019 — Ismail Mehsud (Peshawar)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10, 11; PPC § 109
    Action: FIR No. 32/2019 for hate speech and misinformation; granted bail later.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference + Dawn coverage)

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    17 June 2019 — Engineer Khalid Yousuf Ansari (Gujranwala)
    Law(s): PECA § 20; PPC §§ 500, 505, 109
    Action: FIR No. 26/2019 for posts defamatory toward PM, Army, Judiciary.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    17 July 2019 — Waleed Butt (Gujranwala/PML-N)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 11, 20; PPC §§ 500, 505, 109
    Action: FIR under above clauses following a citizen’s complaint; arrested next day.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    July–August 2019 — Mian Tariq Mehmood and related figures
    Law(s): PECA (via transfer from Cyber Crime Wing to CTW/ATA) + ATA
    Action: Arrested over judge Arshad Malik video; alleged torture; remanded; case transferred to ATC; ATA sections later removed by ATC per plea in July 2020.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    2 August 2019 — Siddiq Butt (Lahore)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 20, 24
    Action: FIA allowed to register case for derogatory social media material targeting family of former COAS Gen. Kiyani.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    4 August 2019 — Malik Atif Suleman (Talagang, Chakwal/PML-N)
    Law(s): Not specified
    Action: Arrested for posting content against intelligence agencies; details per local complaint.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    5 August 2019 — Ali Akbar Pirhar (Kot Addu)
    Law(s): Telegraph Act § 25-D; MPO § 16
    Action: FIR No. 469/2019 for hate content and PTM support; mobile phone seized.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    22 August 2019 — Maryam Nawaz and PML-N figures (Islamabad/Lahore)
    Law(s): PECA (related to video scandal)
    Action: FIA sent questionnaire; Maryam responded; several leaders summoned and later three more arrested; pre-arrest bails dismissed.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    30 September 2019 — Dr. Abdul Hai (Peshawar)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10, 11; PPC § 109
    Action: FIR No. 33/2019 lodged under complaint; application to compel Facebook for IP logs filed.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    25 August 2019 — Muhammad Basit Khan (Charsadda/Peshawar)
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Summons for inquiry No. 537/2019; reason unspecified.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    24 October 2019 — Wahid Bux (Sukkur/Karachi)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 9, 10, 11; PPC § 109
    Action: FIR No. 17/2019 for being “admin” of anti-state WhatsApp group and sharing hate material; handed to FIA.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    24 October 2019 — Professor Mohammad Ismail (Peshawar)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10, 11; PPC § 109
    Action: FIR No. 38/2019; arrested Oct 25; sent on 14-day remand; bail granted Nov 25; bail-cancellation application filed.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    6 November 2019 — Akhtar Khan (Mardan/Peshawar)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10, 11; PPC § 109
    Action: FIR No. 40/2019; raided after IP-based linking of accounts; IP logs requested.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    7 January 2020 — Hassan Nasir (Peshawar)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 10, 11; PPC § 109
    Action: FIR No. 01/2020; account usage traced; premises raided.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    2020 — Growing List of Journalists and Activists Summoned

    17 July 2020 — Waqas Ahmed (Islamabad / Business Recorder)
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Complaint lodged by NITB CEO for news story; summoned by FIA; denied details.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    25 August 2020 — Faiz Paracha (journalist)
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Summoned over tweet about NUST rector and NAB’s plea bargain.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    24 August 2020 — Imad Zafar (journalist)
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Summoned for tweet quoting alleged remarks by Gen (ret’d) Amjad Shoaib; apologized via tweets.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    9 September 2020 — Bilal Farooqui (journalist)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 11, 20; PPC §§ 500, 505
    Action: FIR 613/2020 lodged for “provocative” posts; detained and released on guarantee; court noted jurisdiction shift from police to FIA.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference, media reporting)

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    11 September 2020 — Absar Alam (journalist, ex-PEMRA chair)
    Law(s): PECA § 20; PPC §§ 124-A, 131, 499, 505
    Action: FIR lodged by lawyer; FIR deemed illegal by DPO before Senate HR Committee (CrPC breach).
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    14 September 2020 — Ihtesham Afghan (PTM activist)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 11, 20, 37; PPC §§ 499, 505
    Action: FIR 796/2020 registered based on social media posts; discovered via his own tweet.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    14 September 2020 — Asad Ali Toor (journalist)
    Law(s): PECA §§ 11, 20, 37; PPC §§ 499, 500, 505
    Action: FIR 338/2020 filed; granted interim protective bail by IHC; petition filed to quash; later summoned by FIA.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    24 September 2020 — Multiple journalists / activists
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Reports of 49 journalists under FIA probe; Human Rights Minister denied FIRs registered; inquiries ongoing.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    25 September 2020 — Arshad Sulehri (journalist)
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Summon and house raid; filed IHC writ; court ordered investigation officer to explain legal basis and barred adverse action.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    5 October 2020 — Multiple PML-N leaders (Lahore)
    Law(s): PECA § 10; PPC multiple sections (including 120, 121A, 124A, 153A, 505, etc.)
    Action: FIR 3033/2020 naming dozens of PML-N politicians over alleged conspiracy; later, most were cleared and key sections withdrawn.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    24 October 2020 — Amir Mir (journalist)
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Summoned over anti-state content posted via channel “Googly News”; inquiry under Enquiry No. 145/2020.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    27 October 2020 — Mian Dawood (court reporter)
    Law(s): PECA
    Action: Summoned via undated notice for Enquiry No. 235/2020; attended at FIA office.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    28 October 2020 — Gul Bukhari (journalist)
    Law(s): Not specified, but complaint includes allegations against judiciary and agencies
    Action: Complaint filed by lawyer accusing her of false allegations; harassment via FIA mechanism.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    21–22 October 2020 — Umair Solangi (executive editor)
    Law(s): PECA (implied)
    Action: Detained by FIA overnight; released early next morning; threatened with false case.
    (Source: bolobhi.org reference)

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    2021–2022 — Final Phase and Ordinance Attempt

    Late 2021 onward — Media personalities and commentators (e.g., Mohsin Baig, others)
    Law(s): PECA (often sections 11 & 20), occasionally connected to ATA
    Action: Raids, FIRs, summons over critical posts; court backlash; some dismissals or bail.
    (Source: media reports and NGO coverage)

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    February–April 2022 — PECA Ordinance 2022
    Law(s): Proposed amendments to PECA (making online defamation non-bailable, jail term increased to 5 years)
    Action: Government promulgated ordinance; widespread condemnation; Islamabad High Court declared it unconstitutional in April 2022.
    (Source: IHC judgment, HRCP, CPJ statements)

     

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