Islamabad, March 20 (NationPress) The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan unequivocally condemned the recent actions taken against prominent journalist Nadir Khan by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), labeling it as a blatant infringement on press freedom and an effort to intimidate media professionals.

The rights organization detailed that Nadir had published a critical report concerning the purported smuggling of LPG via a cargo vessel at Karachi Port. Alarmingly, a case was filed against him merely thirty minutes after the story was made public.

Expressing concerns regarding the NCCIA's conduct, the HRC stated, "It is astonishing that such a significant and sensitive report was dismissed so swiftly without thorough investigation, leading to the targeting of the journalist instead."

The Council remarked that "deploying law enforcement in this way to shield two prominent individuals mentioned in the report is a direct assault on press freedom and a calculated attempt to intimidate journalists.”

In solidarity with the Karachi Press Club, the rights organization called for the immediate dismissal of the "unlawful case against Nadir Khan and urged for a transparent inquiry into the claims made in the report."

In a related development, the Karachi Press Club (KPC) condemned the case lodged against Nadir, characterizing it as an infringement on press freedom and the principle of freedom of expression.

KPC President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Aslam Khan, and other members of the executive board criticized the NCCIA for initiating the case without prior notification or investigation, as reported by local media.

The KPC officials emphasized that the action constituted a "breach of legal protocols and a calculated attempt to undermine independent journalism."

“The case was filed at a time when national unity is crucial amidst ongoing challenges. It was initiated without notification or inquiry, blatantly ignoring due legal processes, and appears to be a premeditated and motivated act. Such actions not only threaten press freedom but also represent harassment towards journalists who seek to unveil the truth,” quoted officials from Geo News.

Separately, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists-Dastoor (PFUJ-D) also condemned the case, labeling it as a conspiracy to undermine the freedom of expression.

In a collective statement, PFUJ-D President Haji Muhammad Nawaz Raza, Secretary General AH Khanzada, and executive council members expressed serious concerns regarding the manner in which the case was filed against Nadir.

"Initiating a case without adhering to due process poses a significant threat to journalistic freedom and seems to be an attempt to intimidate the reporter," reported PFUJ-D officials to Geo News.