KHAIRPUR: A journalist has accused personnel of the Excise Police of allegedly misbehaving with him, confiscating his mobile phone, deleting recordings and issuing death threats while he was covering a reported incident involving heavy vehicles on the Mehran Highway in Kumb tehsil of Khairpur.
According to reporter Zulfiqar Brohi of Pak Soch Newspaper, he had reached the area near Al-Noor Pump on the Mehran Highway to cover allegations that heavy vehicles were allegedly being allowed to pass in exchange for bribes.
The journalist alleged that while he was covering the matter, Excise Police personnel, including Ali Gul Wasan, Sudeer Wasan and Subhan Wasan, allegedly misbehaved with him.
Brohi further alleged that the officials took his mobile phone and deleted recordings that he had made during the course of his reporting. He also claimed that he was allegedly threatened with serious consequences, including death.
The allegations have raised concerns regarding the safety of journalists carrying out their professional responsibilities and their ability to report on matters involving alleged irregularities or unlawful activities.
According to Brohi, journalists have the right to investigate and report issues concerning the public, including allegations of misconduct and illegal activities. He said the alleged incident had created serious concerns about the freedom and safety of journalists working in the field.
The journalist has called for immediate action from the relevant authorities and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.
He appealed to the Sindh Excise Minister, Chief Minister Sindh, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, Inspector General of Sindh Police and Sindh Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar to take notice of the allegations.
Brohi demanded that if the allegations are established through an investigation, the officials found responsible should face action in accordance with the law.
He also called for adequate protection for journalists so that they can perform their professional duties independently and without fear or intimidation.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and the officials named in the complaint have not, in the information available, publicly responded to the accusations.
The incident has nevertheless highlighted concerns surrounding the safety of journalists covering sensitive issues, particularly allegations involving law-enforcement personnel and possible corruption.
A transparent inquiry could establish what happened at the site, whether the journalist’s phone was taken and recordings deleted, and whether any threats were issued. It could also determine the circumstances surrounding the reported allegations of heavy vehicles being allowed to pass in exchange for money.
The journalist has urged the authorities to conduct the investigation without bias and to ensure that any person found responsible is dealt with according to the law.
Until an official inquiry is completed, the allegations remain claims made by the journalist and should not be treated as established facts.
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