Islamabad (ABN News) — The launch of an inquiry by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency against ABN News senior reporter Bakht Muhammad Yousafzai has triggered concern within journalistic and human rights circles, with media professionals describing the move as pressure on independent journalism and a retaliatory action.
Inquiry against reporter follows complaint by PTI senator
According to sources, the inquiry was initiated against the reporter after a complaint filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman. Members of the journalist community argue that such actions are frequently used to discourage investigative reporting, silence critical voices, and deter scrutiny of influential political and business figures.
Media representatives warn that threats of arrest and legal proceedings pose a serious risk to independent, impartial, and fact-based journalism.
Report on alleged tax evasion precedes action
The issue surfaced after the reporter Bakht Muhammad Yousafzai aired a report regarding alleged tax evasion involving a cigarette factory owned by Faisal Saleem Rehman’s family. Following the broadcast of this report, the inquiry was initiated against the reporter, which media circles have described as an attempt to exert pressure for reporting on sensitive financial matters.
FBR raid on Universal Tobacco Company
In the same context, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) carried out a raid earlier this month on Universal Tobacco Company in Mardan. According to FBR officials, it was the largest undeclared cigarette-manufacturing operation uncovered in the district, where an undeclared plant and machinery were allegedly operating covertly.
Officials stated that the facility had a daily production capacity of approximately 6,000 to 7,000 kilograms of tobacco, with estimated daily revenue reaching up to Rs 45 million.
Company ownership and political links
The FBR stated that Universal Tobacco Company, Mardan, is owned by a well-known political and business family. Former Member of the National Assembly Haji Naseem Rehman serves as the company’s chief executive, while PTI Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman is his nephew and son-in-law, adding sensitivity to the case.
According to FBR records, enforcement actions have previously been taken against the same family. In April 2019, the FBR raided a factory in Buner involved in the production of fake cigarettes, which officials said was owned by the Faisal Saleem family. At the time, Faisal Saleem Rehman was serving as Vice Chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment.
Calls for transparency and press protection
Journalistic organizations and civil society groups have called for inquiries against journalists to be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner. They have also urged authorities to ensure full protection of press freedom.
Observers say the matter has moved beyond an individual journalist and now reflects broader concerns related to investigative journalism, reporting on alleged tax evasion, and accountability of powerful segments in Pakistan.
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