Pakistan’s First Sikh TV Anchor Harmeet Singh Alleges Harassment Over His Independent Journalism
Harmeet Singh, recognised as Pakistan’s first Sikh television anchor, has publicly alleged that he is being targeted through systemic harassment, broadcast bans, and police action due to his independent reporting on key political developments in the country.
Pakistan’s first Sikh television anchor, Harmeet Singh, has alleged that he has faced sustained pressure and harassment over his independent journalism, including being pushed off television and a subsequent police raid on his small media office. Singh claims police seized computers, cameras, microphones and other studio equipment, leaving him unable to continue his independent work, TOI reported.
Harmeet Singh Says Pressure Began After PTI Coverage
According to Singh, the problems began after he covered developments involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in November 2024. He said cases were registered against him, including an FIR in Islamabad, while an inquiry was also initiated in Peshawar. The matter, he said, remains under trial. Pakistan Says 6-7 Muslim Nations Want To Join Mecca Joint Defence Agreement Amid Iran War: Report.
Singh has maintained that his reporting focused on democracy, constitutional supremacy and issues affecting ordinary citizens. He denied working against Pakistan or engaging in propaganda against the state.
The Committee to Protect Journalists had earlier reported that Pakistani authorities summoned Singh in December 2024 over allegations of “negative rhetoric against state institutions”. The FIA had also registered a case concerning his social media activity during the November 2024 protests by supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan. Swat Blast: Explosion at Pakistan Peace Rally Leaves 7 Dead, 18 Hurt (Video).
Office Raided, Equipment Seized
Singh said that after he was no longer appearing on television, he and colleagues established a small independent media office. He alleged that Islamabad Police later raided the premises and seized five computer systems, cameras, microphones, studio lights, batteries and teleprompters.
In a video posted recently, Singh showed the largely empty office and said the equipment had been removed about a month earlier. He has called for the seized equipment to be returned.
Singh also alleged that journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif were detained during the incident and that they were reportedly beaten. Earlier reporting said Tahir and Saif were taken from the Islamabad office on August 1. Police have not publicly addressed the specific allegations concerning the raid and equipment seizure.
Sikh Community Raises Concerns
Singh has highlighted the difficulties of working in journalism while belonging to Pakistan’s small Sikh minority. He said entering mainstream media was particularly challenging and that members of his community had questioned why he continued working in journalism instead of choosing a safer profession.
Sikh intellectual Avtar Singh described the alleged raid as concerning and called for the wider Sikh community to support journalists and minorities in Pakistan. He also urged the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to take up the matter with the Government of India through diplomatic channels.
Earlier Concerns Over Press Freedom
The allegations come amid wider concerns over pressure on journalists in Pakistan. In December 2024, the Committee to Protect Journalists called on Pakistani authorities to stop what it described as harassment of Harmeet Singh and allow him to work without intimidation. CPJ said Singh had faced threats in the past and believed the proceedings against him were intended to silence him and other journalists.
The latest allegations have renewed questions about the space available to journalists who pursue independent reporting, particularly those covering politically sensitive issues.
For now, Singh continues to seek the return of his equipment and an explanation for the action against his office. No public response from Islamabad Police addressing his specific allegations has been reported.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
