Pakistani journalist summoned for alleged defamatory statements against the military

Pakistan's authorities summoned a Pakistani journalist who was recently battered in his flat by unidentified individuals on Tuesday to confront claims that he defamed a significant national institution i.e., the Pakistani military.

Three armed men forced their way into Toor's residence in Islamabad, claiming to be from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The attackers smacked Toor many times, accusing him of criticising the agency.

Asad Ali Toor, a Pakistani TV reporter for Aaj News, stated he was speaking with his lawyer about whether or not to come before the Federal Investigation Agency on June 4th.

The perpetrators who assaulted Toor are close to being apprehended, according to Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad. Toor, on the other hand, expressed dissatisfaction with the government's inquiry.

The ISI has stated that it was not engaged in the incident.

Toor claims that several of his colleagues who spoke out in favour of him have also been harassed.Toor mentioned noted Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir, who was kicked off his famous talk show by Pakistan's Geo News TV after making an anti-army remark at a demonstration on Friday.

Mir confirmed that he used "strong words" against the army, but said his statements were in reaction to an increase in attacks on journalists. He claimed he came to the demonstration to show his support for Toor and other journalists who had been attacked or harassed recently.

Human rights organisations frequently accuse Pakistan's military and agencies of harassing and threatening journalists, despite the government's claims that it respects freedom of expression of the press.