The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has called for a protest against the registration of an FIR against journalists Abrar Shah and Mujtaba Butt.
In his video statement, the President of PFUJ, Rana Azeem, said that we fully support journalists Abrar Shah and Mujtaba Butt of Kashmir Digital.
He condemned the registration of an FIR against the journalists by a political figure, Shaukat Nawaz Mir and gave him an ultimatum of 48 hours to withdraw his FIR with an apology.
He also warned of a nationwide protest in case the FIR was not withdrawn by Shaukat Nawaz.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir gets an ultimatum
PFUJ president, Rana Azeem, has given an ultimatum to the politician Shaukat Nawaz Mir for registering an FIR against senior journalist Abrar Shah under the PECA Act.
He clearly stated that, in his opinion, the act done by the politician was nothing but the suppression of freedom of the press.
Rana Azeem said that I am giving a 48-hour ultimatum to Shaukat Nawaz for the withdrawal of his FIR and to apologise to the concerned journalist.
While supporting his statement, he also warned Shaukat of a nationwide protest.
In a press release issued by PFUJ on Sunday, the officials stated that registering an FIR against any journalist is an attempt to suppress the freedom of the press.
It further said that this act will not be tolerated at any cost. The journalistic community will strongly oppose such acts.
Those who suppress the voice of truth and justice and attack freedom of the press will have to face strong resistance, said the press release.
PFUJ leaders said such measures undermine independent journalism and restrict the right to free expression. They urged authorities to review the situation and take corrective steps.
It is the duty of a government representative to answer the questions regarding their progress, and the journalist has a complete right to question the officials, the statement added.
The statement emphasised that the journalistic community across Pakistan would firmly resist what it described as “unjust actions” against media professionals.
The union warned that if its concerns are not addressed, journalists across the country could stage protests.
It added that members of PFUJ, along with other media workers, would take to the streets if necessary.
The development comes amid ongoing concerns among journalist bodies about press freedom and the safety of media workers in Pakistan.
PFUJ said any attempt to silence voices raising issues of public interest would face strong opposition from the media community.
The organisation called on the government to ensure protection for journalists and uphold the principles of free and fair reporting.
It also urged officials to avoid actions that could further strain relations between the state and the media.
Mujtaba Butt to sue Shaukat Nawaz Mir
Kashmir Digital anchorperson Muhammad Mujtaba Butt has said he will fight a defamation case filed against him by Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir.
Mir has registered an FIR accusing Butt of defamation.
In response, Muhammad Mujtaba Butt released a video message on April 4, 2026, addressing the allegations. In the message, he said, “Shaukat Nawaz Mir, I thought you were a good person, but you have turned out to be otherwise.”
Butt challenged Mir to prove whether the allegations made by Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone are true or false.
He also accused Mir of trying to use a guest to turn a free journalist’s platform into a personal agenda, adding that he would have to answer for this in court.
He further stated, “You stand in public squares making false accusations against people, and if a Hurriyat leader accuses you, you shift the blame onto others. If you consider yourself Kashmiri, then I am Kashmiri too and perhaps an even bigger Kashmiri than you.”
Butt also invited Mir, saying, “I have reached out to you many times to come to the studio and express your opinion. I still invite you.”
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