Karachi July 6: On July 5, Zafar Achakzai, a journalist of daily “Qudrat” Quetta-based Urdu newspaper, granted bail against Rs80, 000 after six days of remand by court in Quetta, Balochistan a province of Pakistan.
On June 29 Achakzai was booked by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) under Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016, for allegedly posted criticism on paramilitary forces and comments on his Facebook account over the arrest of Majeed Achakzai, a member of the Balochistan provincial assembly, for killing a traffic police constable by hit his car.
Earlier, paramilitary corps in plain clothes raided his house on June 25 took him in custody along with his mobile phone and laptop as well.
Saleem Shahid, vice president, Pakistan Federal Union of journalists told PPF “if anyone including journalists commits a crime should be punishable according to rule of law but we are against these enforced disappearances”. He further added, accused have right to practice his legal rights and face fair trial in courts.
His arrest was condemned by journalists and social activists across the country.
Achakzai is reportedly the first journalist to be arrested by the FIA in Balochistan for criticising law enforcement agencies.
