Pakistani Journalist, Who Accused PM Imran Khan Of Favouritism On TV, Arrested On Unspecified Charges: Report

Just a few days ago, Mohsin Baig, editor for news outlet Online, had suggested on a TV talk show that PM Imran Khan showed favoritism by granting award to a minister he enjoyed close friendship with.

Mohsin Baig after his arrest in Islamabad | Photo: Twiitter/@AsmaHumairKhan

New Delhi: The Pakistani Police Wednesday arrested a prominent local journalist, who is also a government critic, days after he criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan on a TV talk show, news agency AP reported.

Mohsin Baig, editor for news outlet Online, was arrested from his home on unspecified charges, the report said, quoting his colleagues and local media.

Just days ago, Baig had suggested on a TV talk show that PM Khan showed favouritism by granting an award to a minister he enjoyed close friendship with.

Khan had recently ranked his Minister for Communication Murad Saeed as the top performer among the cabinet. 

Saeed lodged a complaint against Baig following his comments on the TV show, the AP report said, quoting the information ministry.

Speaking to local reporters, Baig’s family said officers from the police and a federal investigation agency raided his house in capital Islamabad on Wednesday morning and whisked him away without stating any reason for the arrest or detention.

Quoting witnesses, the AP report said police were still present at Baig’s home, though no other details were immediately available.

Pakistani journalists took to social media to condemn the arrest. 

Mohsin Baig behind the bars. #JournalismIsNotACrime https://t.co/2Yu0MfLCPI

— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) February 16, 2022

Former Senator, Senior Journalist and Staunch critic of the current PTI government, Mohsin Baig arrested by FIA's Cyber Crime Wing from his residence. #Pakistan

— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 16, 2022

There has been no immediate comment from the government on the arrest of the charges against Baig.

Meanwhile, there were allegations that Baig fired at the police when they went to arrest him, with many Twitter users sharing images of him holding a firearm.

"When FIA went to arrest Journalist Mohsin Baig he fired on FIA inspector and injured him. Firing continued for one hour from his house," Pakistani Investment Banker Mir Mohammad Alikhan posted from his verified handle.

When FIA went to arrest Journalist Mohsin Baig he fired on FIA inspector and injured him. Firing continued for one hour from his house.

FIA inspector admitted to the hospital.

Now all the so called “Great Journalistic Minds” will condemn the arrest but not the firing.

WATCH pic.twitter.com/UkwTPfizgB

— Mir Mohammad Alikhan (@MirMAKOfficial) February 16, 2022