October 10, 2024
By Xari Jalil
LAHORE
As the District Commissioner of South Waziristan (Upper) issued a notification where the names of two journalists were ‘accidently’ included on a restricted list, media organizations have vehemently protested this oversight. Journalists Farooq Mehsud and Ishtiaq Mehsud were added to the National Counter Terrorism Authority’s (NACTA) Schedule 4 list. Upon reporting this to the DC, the journalists requested the removal of their names, which the DC has requested and forwarded to NACTA.
Farooq Mehsud, the current President of the Mehsud Press Club, and his predecessor, Ishtiaq Mehsud, were both added to the restricted Schedule 4 list of proscribed persons. Meanwhile, Ehsan Naseem, a veteran journalist with extensive experience in Battagram’s media landscape, was arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance following his recent interview with activist Manzoor Pashteen. Naseem was detained for questioning and subsequently sent to jail after an FIR was filed against him at the Battagram police station.
Speaking to Voicepk, Farooq Mehsud said that he himself had no idea on what basis his name was added to the list.
“When I ask around, they (agencies) say they do not know. We all know the names are decided by the IB, the ISI and the Only a few minutes ago I was sitting with some people from the military and they did not know anything. After we raised the issue the Distrct commissioner finally said that our names had gone in the list ‘by accident’. Who makes this kind of accident?”
The District Commissioner of South Waziristan (Upper) has now issued a notice requesting the removal of two journalists’ names from the restricted Schedule 4 list. This list is typically compiled by the DC, forwarded to the Home Department, and ultimately approved by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
“There has been no response from NACTA regarding our names on the Schedule 4 list,” Farooq Mehsud said while speaking to Voicepk. “Clearly, this is a tactic to intimidate journalists. Targeting the current and former presidents of the press club sends a strong message to others. The government claims it was an ‘accident,’ but the damage to our careers is done. And now with 92 more people on this list, who can say how many of them were included by ‘mistake’,” asks Farooq.
Farooq Mehsud also mentioned that another name, possibly belonging to journalist Aslam Mehsud, appeared on the list. However, due to incomplete or inaccurate information, it remains uncertain if this is indeed the same person.
Talking about being censored, Farooq said, “We journalists cover all sides equally, regardless of whether it’s the PTM or the military. We can’t be expected to ignore important events or protests in our area. While TV channels may not be airing these stories, we remain committed to providing fair, transparent, and unbiased coverage to all.”
Journalist Ishtiaq Mehsud could not be reached.
Meanwhile PFUJ President SHAMIM SHAHID says that even though the journalists’ names may be removed from the list, there is still ample harassment against other working journalists. “Forget tribal areas, even journalists in Peshawar can’t do fair and impartial coverage. We are not allowed to cover PTM, we cannot even cover PTI,” he said speaking to Voicepk. “There are ISPR run platforms here—Suno TV, Web, and Radio—and these take in unemployed journalists – who are forced by circumstances to find work. They have been airing their propaganda day and night. It’s a huge business here.”
Condemnation by Journalist Bodies
Press bodies including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) have slammed the inclusion of journalists in the Schedule 4 list. DigiMAP has also criticised the actions of the district administration and the Battagram police in filing an FIR and taking action under the 3MPO against senior journalist Ehsan Naseem, who is known in the region for his work in print, electronic, and digital media. They have called for the immediate release of Naseem and have urged authorities to respect press freedom and the basic rights of journalists.
DigiMAP President Sabookh Syed voiced his strong disapproval, stating that these marked one of the darkest times for journalists and freedom of expression in Pakistan. He emphasised that such actions violated the principles of law and order and could destabilise any civilised society.
“Laws originally intended to combat terrorism are now being applied to journalists,” he said. “Throughout the world there are journalist unions, human rights organisations, and civil society who have begun to raise concerns over such actions being taken against journalists in Pakistan.”
DigiMAP Secretary General Adnan Aamir welcomed the recent decision by the Deputy Commissioner of South Waziristan Upper to remove the names of journalists from the Schedule IV list, calling it a necessary step in upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of those committed to delivering accurate information to the public.
The federal government has recently taken action against the proscribed Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), adding several individuals to the Schedule 4th list under Section 11EE of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 for allegedly assisting the banned organisation.
A notification issued by the Interior Ministry declared the PTM “unlawful” under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing the group’s activities as a “significant danger” to public order and safety.
Now a long list of people have been included in the fourth schedule list.