Waheed Murad Journalist Disappearance Sparks Outrage
The disappearance of Waheed Murad is the third high-profile kidnapping of a journalist in Pakistan in the past week, following the arrest of Farhan Mallick and the kidnapping of the brothers of exiled journalist Ahmad Noorani, highlighting the need for urgent action to protect journalists and ensure their safety.
Journalist Waheed Murad was forcibly taken from his Islamabad home by unknown individuals on March 26, 2025, in an incident that has sparked widespread concern and outrage among rights activists and journalists, with many calling for his safe recovery and an investigation into the incident.
The incident follows a pattern of enforced disappearances in the country, with Murad's family alleging that the abductors were from intelligence agencies. A petition was filed at the Islamabad High Court by Murad's mother-in-law, Abida Nawaz, seeking his recovery and an investigation into the incident, naming the state, the defence ministry, and the Islamabad police chief as respondents. Murad's wife, Shinza Nawaz, has also spoken out, demanding to know her husband's whereabouts and the laws under which he was taken away.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the alleged abduction of journalist Waheed Murad, calling for his immediate and unconditional release and expressing concern over rising incidents of enforced disappearances targeting journalists. The union also urged authorities to review the misuse of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025, citing former interior minister Rana Sanaullah's admission of its exploitation.
The incident has raised alarm over the safety of journalists in Pakistan, with many questioning the government's handling of the situation. The PFUJ has warned that such incidents endanger press freedom and democracy in Pakistan, and has called for an end to the misuse of laws to silence journalists and suppress freedom of expression.