PESHAWAR: The Peshawar Press Club and the Khyber Union of Journalists (KUJ) strongly condemned fake, false, and defamatory posts circulating on social media and announced to approach the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against the smear campaign.
Both bodies issued separate statements in this regard, stating that these allegations claim that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has made payments to elected officials of the club and senior journalists, which they assert is part of an organised conspiracy against the journalistic community, the Peshawar Press Club, and free journalism.
The Peshawar Press Club clarified that the accusations against the journalists in Peshawar are completely unfounded and fabricated, based on lies and contrary to the facts. The propaganda is not only an attempt to tarnish journalists’ reputations but also aims to create distrust towards independent media and undermine journalism.
Kashifuddin Syed, President of the Khyber Union of Journalists, along with General Secretary Irshad Ali and other officials, condemned the harassment and the false propaganda campaign, viewing it as an attack on press freedom and freedom of expression.
Journalist organisations have noted that for the past few months, certain elements have been systematically engaging in social media trials against journalists in Peshawar, fearing their impartial reporting and commitment to freedom of expression. These individuals are misusing social media platforms to damage journalists’ reputations, defame them, and hinder their professional duties, which is both unethical and legally punishable.
The Peshawar Press Club and the Khyber Union of Journalists affirmed that no official, member, or journalist associated with the Peshawar Press Club has received any money, benefits, or alleged compensation from any government department, political figures, or individuals, as claimed in the false posts and fabricated documents.
They reiterated their commitment to uphold the honour, dignity, reputation, and freedom of the press. Any efforts to defame, divide, or undermine the journalist community will be met with strong legal, ethical, and democratic opposition. Harassment of journalists will not be tolerated.
The Peshawar Press Club has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) regarding this baseless and malicious act. Meanwhile, the Khyber Union of Journalists has called upon the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and its Cyber Crime Wing to promptly identify those involved in online defamatory campaigns, the dissemination of fake content, and threats against journalists.
Journalistic circles are urging relevant state and law enforcement agencies to identify the individuals behind this organised campaign and take immediate and strict legal action against them under cybercrime and defamation laws.
