PESHAWAR:(Roshan Khan Wazir)- Tribal journalists have strongly condemned what they describe as an attempt to suppress press freedom after a cybercrime notice was issued to Awardin Mehsud, Central President of the Tribes Union of Journalists (Registered).
According to sources, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Peshawar has summoned Awardin Mehsud for an appearance on January 28, 2026, following a complaint filed by PTI Member of the Provincial Assembly Asif Khan Mehsud.
Confirming the development, QUJ Information Secretary Anwar Shakir Wazir said journalists from all tribal districts are consulting on launching protest sit-ins across district press clubs, as well as in Islamabad and Peshawar, in response to the action against their central president.
Anwar Shakir Wazir alleged that the Peshawar Commissioner had been indirectly threatening Awardin Mehsud with cybercrime action for several weeks in an effort to pressure him. He claimed that the issuance of the notice appears to be part of a retaliatory campaign. It is noteworthy that the Peshawar Commissioner is the brother of MPA Asif Khan Mehsud, who filed the complaint.
The Tribes Union of Journalists, in a firm statement, declared that Awardin Mehsud is a senior journalist and represents a “red line” for the journalistic community. The union warned that any attempt to intimidate or target him would be met with strong collective resistance.
Journalists from the tribal belt have expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent and undermine freedom of expression, calling on relevant authorities to ensure transparency and protect journalists from harassment.
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