Pakistani authorities have detained a local journalist known to be a vocal critic of the army in Karachi on Friday. This is the latest in a series of arrests and abductions of journalists who have criticized the government. According to the charges, Bilal Farooqi was involved in spreading hateful content about the country’s army and spreading religious hate. Read more: Matiullah Jan: Critical journalists ‘routinely threatened’ in Pakistan “Through his (social media) posts, Bilal Farooqi defamed the Pakistan Army and anti-state elements used these posts for their vested interests,” said the police report, which added that his online activity also spread religious hatred and incited mutiny against the military. Farooqi’s mobile phone was confiscated during a search of his house. Attacks on dissent Despite Prime Minister Imran Khan asserting that the country has a free media, attacks, abductions and arrests of journalists have become increasingly common, critics say. Last year, at least four people were killed in connection with their reporting. In July, journalist Matiullah Jan was abductedbefore being released hours later. He has also been critical of Pakistan’s government and military, which has resulted in the use of intimidation tactics against him. “I personally have experienced 10 years of harassment… Read full this story
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