On February 19, the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) expressed concern regarding the First Information Report (FIR) filed against Agha Obaid, the chief editor of the local newspaper Olas News and a YouTuber. This action followed the publication of a video that highlighted issues within the provincial Excise Department.

In a public statement from Quetta, BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed Rind and General Secretary Shah Hussain Tareen highlighted that an official from the Excise Department initiated the FIR, citing allegations of interference in official duties. The FIR’s timing, closely following the contentious video’s release, prompted the union to call for a thorough and transparent review of the circumstances leading to its registration.

The leadership of the BUJ articulated concerns that the FIR might be an act of reprisal aimed at suppressing journalistic freedom, suggesting the charges could pressure Obaid in retaliation for his investigative reporting. They advocated for a fair and unbiased investigation into the allegations and stressed the importance of ensuring Obaid has all his legal rights to defend himself.

Further, the BUJ underscored the necessity for any evidence held by the Excise Department to be processed through the appropriate legal channels. They warned that any prejudiced or retaliatory measures against media professionals could severely erode public trust in state institutions’ accountability mechanisms.

The union has made a formal appeal to several high-ranking officials, including the Provincial Minister for Excise Muhammad Khan Lahri, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department Balochistan, and the Secretary for Excise and Taxation Balochistan. They urged these officials to intervene and ensure that the case against Obaid is handled with the utmost fairness and in strict adherence to legal protocols.

As of now, the BUJ has not disclosed the specific legal sections invoked in the FIR, and the Excise Department has not immediately responded regarding the allegations.