NCCIA summons three journalists over college principal’s complaint

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Rawalpindi, has issued notices to three journalists associated with the Three

CHAKWAL:  The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Rawalpindi, has issued notices to three journalists associated with the Three Stars Media Group, seeking their appearance in connection with a complaint lodged by the principal of Government Graduate College for Women, Chakwal, Prof Mehnaz Akhtar.

According to the notices, journalists Samandar Khan (Minute Mirror), Qazi Waseem Jahangir (365 News) and Nabeel Anwar Dhakku (Dawn) have been directed to appear before the NCCIA and submit their responses to the complaint.

The three journalists said they would appear before the agency and submit detailed responses along with relevant documents and records pertaining to their reporting.

According to sources, Prof Mehnaz Akhtar alleged in her complaint that journalists associated with the Three Stars Media Group had published reports containing fabricated, baseless and false allegations against her, which, she claimed, had damaged her personal reputation and the credibility of the government institution headed by her.

The complaint also reportedly alleged that Mr Khan had sent a threatening message to the principal through WhatsApp.

Mr Khan denied the allegation, saying he had not sent any threatening message to the principal and had contacted her through WhatsApp solely to seek her version on the matter as part of his journalistic duties.

The journalists, meanwhile, maintained that their reports concerning the college were based on official documents and records rather than unverified allegations.

According to the journalists, their reporting covered allegations of harassment of female faculty members by a junior clerk posted at the college. They said the reports were based, among other documents, on an inquiry report prepared by the Director Colleges, Rawalpindi Division, a resolution of condemnation submitted by 32 female professors against the clerk, a communication from the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), and orders regarding the clerk’s transfer.

The journalists said they had attempted to obtain the versions of all relevant parties and would present the available documentary record before the NCCIA in support of their reporting.

The three journalists said they would respond to the notices in accordance with the law and professional journalistic standards and would present their detailed position regarding the allegations contained in the complaint.