The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (Aemend) has strongly condemned the arrest of Bol News journalist Shahid Aslam and the pressure exerted by the FIA to identify journalistic sources, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday. 

The Aemend said that the cybercrime wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in spite of Islamabad High Court's clear directions regarding journalists did not change its approach. Aslam Shahid is being tortured to know his sources. This is a blatant violation of the recently enacted Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Bill, 2021 that guarantees the privacy of journalists’ works and sources.

It lamented that Shahid Aslam was not only arrested without notice but after that, he was pressured to reveal his journalistic sources which is not acceptable in any case. 

His arrest is an assault on press freedom and violates the journalist’s right to report without fear of consequences. 

Expressing concern over the overall freedom of expression situation in the country, Aemend said that it is the responsibility of the government to address the problems faced by journalists like threats, persecution, pressure, and harassment. 

Aemend said that the acquisition of information is the professional responsibility of the journalist, for which the registration of cases is nothing but suppressing the expression of opinion.

We urge the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to ensure that Aslam’s right to free expression is defended instead of attacked. The investigation agency must also keep in mind the law, which clearly states that a journalist is guaranteed a right to privacy.

It also urged the government to take practical steps to prevent these fake cases.

 On January 13, Aslam was arrested by the FIA. A local court in Islamabad granted the FIA two-day physical remand of the journalist on January 14.

As per the report, the journalist had been arrested in connection with the data leak of information regarding the former army chief.