International press freedom group warns journalists missing after covering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir protests

The Story in Brief

The press freedom organisation Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Pakistani authorities to disclose the whereabouts of two journalists who reportedly disappeared after covering unrest in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir. Independent reporters Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif were allegedly taken from their office in Islamabad on 1 August by men wearing police uniforms, driven to an undisclosed location and have not been seen since; Islamabad police have not publicly acknowledged detaining either man. CPJ’s Afghanistan‑Pakistan representative, Waliullah Rahmani, said the disappearances appear part of a wider effort to silence independent reporting and called for the journalists’ release. Tahir had been detained in June under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act over reporting on former prime minister Imran Khan and was granted bail in July. CPJ also repeated calls for Kashmir journalist Syed Farhad Ali Shah, who remains in detention and reportedly began a hunger strike in late July, to receive urgent medical care. A separate report alleged force, internet blackouts, mass arrests and blocked access to Al Jazeera after broadcasts from Muzaffarabad amid reports of dozens killed and many injured.

The Indian Opinion

Readers should note the coverage relies largely on reports and allegations from CPJ and One Word Outlook, and some claims remain unconfirmed by Pakistani authorities. The article cites serious accusations – disappearances, use of live ammunition, mass arrests, prolonged internet disruptions and blocking an international broadcaster – while also noting that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry criticised Al Jazeera’s reporting. Given the absence of public acknowledgement from police about the alleged detentions and limited independent verification in the piece, a cautious stance is reasonable: demand for transparent, verifiable information and medical care for detained journalists is legitimate, while awaiting further confirmation of contested claims.

Original article: Global watchdog raises alarm over journalists missing after PoK protest coverage (www.nationalheraldindia.com)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.