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.
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.