ISLAMABAD: The issue of serious threats and targeted harassment directed against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Azad Digital and his family has been formally brought to the attention of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). A formal complaint has been lodged against Zia-ur-Rehman, Rashid Soomro, Nasir Soomro, and Mufti Owais.
Threats to Azad Digital CEO Lodged with NCCIA, Seeks Legal Action
Representing Azad Digital, Desk In-Charge Adeel Omar approached the NCCIA to ensure the safety and security of the CEO and his family, while demanding strict legal action against those involved in the alleged intimidation.
According to the submitted complaint, the named individuals allegedly issued direct threats and engaged in harassment, with Rashid Soomro specifically accused of threatening to kill the CEO of Azad Digital. The complaint further alleges that threatening messages, posts and comments were circulated through various Facebook accounts and profiles, with screenshots and relevant web links submitted as supporting evidence. Azad Digital maintained that the threats began following the broadcast of its analytical programmes, describing the incidents as an attack on press freedom, journalistic independence and the personal safety of its journalists and management.
Demand for Swift Investigation and Accountability
The petition strongly urges the NCCIA to immediately identify the individuals, social media account owners, and operators involved in issuing the threats, and to initiate rigorous legal proceedings under the relevant laws. Azad Digital has called for an expedited, comprehensive investigation to guarantee the protection of the CEO and his household, emphasizing that threats emerging in the wake of professional journalistic activities must be addressed with the utmost seriousness.
