Amnesty International has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the country’s leading spy agency, regarding its alleged involvement in attacks targeting journalists. This urgent appeal marks the third anniversary of the abduction and tragic death of journalist Saleem Shahzad, a case that remains unresolved.
“The lack of thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations into such incidents, coupled with the failure to hold perpetrators accountable, cultivates a culture of impunity for violence against independent media in Pakistan,” stated David Griffiths, Asia-Pacific Deputy Director at Amnesty International.
In a strongly worded open letter, Amnesty International, alongside nine other human rights organizations, has implored Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to honor his commitment to ending the impunity enjoyed by individuals and groups who perpetrate attacks against journalists.
“Saleem Shahzad’s murder stands as a stark and extreme example of the dangers journalists in Pakistan confront daily. The evident inability of authorities to properly investigate ISI officials and bring those responsible for Shahzad’s death to justice is unacceptable. His abduction occurred in broad daylight in Islamabad, the nation’s capital, highlighting the brazen nature of these attacks,” Griffiths emphasized.
“Pakistan must urgently reopen the criminal investigation into Shahzad’s death, as repeatedly promised by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Recent events have once again underscored the precarious and vulnerable position of Pakistani media. Continuing impunity will only serve to embolden further violence.”
The call to action follows closely on the heels of a recent assassination attempt in Karachi targeting journalist Hamid Mir, who narrowly escaped with his life last month. Mir has directly accused the Inter-Services Intelligence of orchestrating the attack.
“Amnesty International’s research indicates that the ISI is the state institution most frequently implicated by journalists in accusations of harassment, intimidation, and abuse directed at them or their colleagues. While this does not automatically confirm the ISI’s culpability in every instance, if ISI officials are indeed innocent of these accusations, they should welcome thorough investigations and due process without apprehension,” Griffiths asserted.
“Determining definitive responsibility for these high-profile attacks against journalists is impossible without proper and transparent investigations. It is imperative that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are guaranteed a fair trial in accordance with international standards.”
To demonstrate a genuine commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights, Amnesty International urges the Inter-Services Intelligence and all other state institutions to fully cooperate with criminal investigations into the attacks on Shahzad, Mir, and other journalists.
Saleem Shahzad, a correspondent for Asia Times Online, was abducted on May 29, 2011, in Islamabad. His body was discovered two days later, bearing clear signs of torture. Shahzad’s reporting frequently covered sensitive national security matters, including alleged infiltration of al-Qaeda within the Pakistani military and the state’s complex relationship with the Taliban.
Prior to his death, Shahzad had confided in colleagues about an alleged death threat from the ISI less than a year earlier. In 2011, the Pakistani government initiated a high-level investigation into his death; however, crucial evidence mysteriously vanished, and no individual has been held accountable to date.
Tragically, at least 34 journalists have been killed in Pakistan in connection to their journalistic work since the restoration of democracy in 2008. Shockingly, in only a single case during this period have the perpetrators been brought to justice, underscoring the pervasive climate of impunity.
Amnesty International’s report released last month detailed the constant threats of harassment, violence, and killings faced by media workers in Pakistan, perpetrated by a range of actors, both state and non-state.
Since the release of this report, tensions have escalated between Geo TV, Pakistan’s largest private broadcaster (part of the Jang Media Group), and state authorities. This intensification followed the network’s accusation against the Inter-Services Intelligence for being behind the assassination attempt on Hamid Mir.
Journalists from the Jang Media Group have reported to Amnesty International receiving daily threats and harassment from unidentified individuals via phone and in person. Many are now afraid to go to their offices or openly identify themselves as employees of Geo TV or other Jang Media Group outlets, fearing potential attacks.
“There is absolutely no justification for the vicious and organized campaign of harassment directed against Jang Media Group staff across Pakistan,” David Griffiths stated unequivocally. “It is particularly disheartening to witness rival media channels and certain political parties joining in the attacks against Jang Media Group, rather than advocating for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on Hamid Mir.”
Furthermore, some government officials have attempted to remove Geo TV from broadcasting, citing allegedly “anti-state” and “blasphemous” content. Disturbingly, media industry bodies have reportedly disrupted up to 80 percent of Jang Media Group’s distribution across print and broadcast platforms, allegedly under directives from the Pakistani military.
“Attempts to silence Geo TV are clearly politically motivated and represent a grave assault on freedom of expression in Pakistan,” Griffiths asserted.
“The last thing Pakistan needs at this juncture is a campaign of mutual accusations between Geo TV, the ISI, or any other party. Pakistan’s journalists, who have endured immense suffering, deserve protection from attacks and justice when they become victims of abuse. It is the fundamental responsibility of Prime Minister Sharif’s government to ensure both. A crucial first step is to immediately resume the investigation into Saleem Shahzad’s death.”
