Two Kashmiri journalists were arrested in PoK, principal of Girls Degree College had lodged a complaint
Pakistan has once again tried to suppress the voice of the people of POK. Police in Neelam Valley of Pakistan administered Kashmir have arrested two journalists and social media activists for criticizing the Pakistani army on social media. Superintendent of Police Khwaja Mohammad Siddiqui said that the arrests were made based on a complaint lodged by the principal of the Government Girls Degree College.
The arrested persons have been identified as local journalist Hayat Awan and media activist Waseem Khwaja, who were taken into custody on Sunday. A complaint was lodged by the college principal at the City Police Station of Athmuqam on December 3, 2024.
The case was registered on the complaint of the principal on December 10, 2024. The FIR includes charges under the Cyber Crime Act, Telegraph Act, and sections related to threats or intimidation.
What is the allegation against the journalist?
The complaint alleged that the journalists had launched a propaganda campaign on social media after the college girls were sent to an army camp for shooting tests under the youth engagement and skill development program. Principal Zubeda Bashir claimed that Hayat Awan, Wasim Khwaja, and Azhar Mughal misrepresented the program on social media. The complaint demanded strict action against the two journalists.
Condemnation of arrest
The arrest has been widely condemned by journalists and social media users. Former Chief Justice Syed Manzoor-ul-Hassan Gilani remarked, “Respect and prestige are earned by conduct, not by silencing voices.”
Javed Asadullah, president of Neelam Press Club, criticized the incident, saying, “Instead of clarifying the situation about students training in the military camp without male guardians, the principal filed an FIR, which led to the arrest of two journalists.” The incident has raised concerns about freedom of the press and the role of social media in highlighting sensitive issues in the region.