In a society where free speech and investigative journalism are already under relentless attack, the recent backlash against Munizae Jahangir is yet another alarming reminder of how speaking truth to power can come at a dangerous cost. Munizae’s courageous decision to shed light on the so-called ‘blasphemy business’—a sinister racket exploiting religious sensitivities for extortion—has invited an onslaught of threats, intimidation, and organized protests.

Having worked closely with Munizae as a Content Producer for her show, I have witnessed firsthand her journalistic integrity and unwavering commitment to truth. Her latest exposé on Aaj TV featured families of victims—young individuals falsely accused of blasphemy, entrapped through deceit, and then blackmailed for money in exchange for having the accusations withdrawn. These are not mere allegations; they are lived experiences of families torn apart by fabricated blasphemy charges.

Instead of addressing the horrifying realities uncovered in her show, religious extremists have launched a well-orchestrated campaign to silence her. Hassan Muwavia, a serial complainant in blasphemy cases, has taken his grievances to PEMRA, demanding action against Munizae and her show. But he hasn’t stopped there—his public threats, including open calls for violence, are now circulating online. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has further escalated matters by staging protests against Munizae and Aaj TV outside the Lahore Press Club, attempting to intimidate the media into submission. This playbook is not new; investigative journalist Azaz Syed was similarly targeted for his reporting on the abuse of blasphemy laws.

The misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan is a well-documented crisis. These laws, originally meant to protect religious sentiments, have been repeatedly weaponized for personal vendettas, land disputes, and now, as exposed in Munizae’s report, organized extortion. Instead of taking action against those exploiting the law for financial gain, authorities often turn a blind eye, leaving journalists and truth-seekers vulnerable to threats and attacks.

Pakistan cannot afford to be a country where journalists are persecuted for exposing corruption, criminality, and the manipulation of religious laws. Munizae Jahangir is doing what any responsible journalist should—asking the hard questions and amplifying the voices of victims. It is not she who should be under scrutiny, but those who are using religion as a cover for their crimes. The attacks on Munizae must be condemned unequivocally. PEMRA should not entertain baseless complaints from those who seek to muzzle investigative journalism. The state must ensure her safety, and those issuing death threats must be held accountable under the law.

As a journalist, I stand firmly with Munizae Jahangir. The media fraternity, civil society, and all those who believe in truth and justice must do the same. We must not let extremists dictate what can and cannot be reported. We must not let threats succeed in silencing courageous voices. Munizae’s fight is not just her own—it is a fight for every journalist who believes in holding power to account. And in that fight, she does not stand alone.