With a heavy heart and growing desperation, the family of Christian journalist Haroon Ilyas Masih is pleading for his immediate release, after what they claim are false charges led to his unjust arrest in Kamoke, Gujranwala. Masih, who has dedicated nearly a decade to his journalistic career, was detained while bravely covering a protest that tragically ended in suicide. Despite the release of his Muslim colleague, Haroon remains locked behind bars—punished for upholding the truth and refusing to delete footage that simply showed what had transpired.
For Haroon’s family, the agony is unbearable. His wife, Naila Haroon, tearfully shared the struggles they now face without their primary provider. “He was just doing his job, documenting what happened, but now our lives are falling apart,” she says, her voice heavy with emotion. Naila explains that, while Haroon’s colleague was freed the following day, her husband’s refusal to erase the video has cost him his freedom, leaving their family in despair.
Haroon’s uncle, Ikhlaq Masih, also spoke of the deep injustice they feel, stressing that the charges against Haroon under Section 302 are not only false but cruelly vindictive. “He is being punished for his integrity, for doing what any journalist would—reporting the truth,” Ikhlaq said.
Naila, clinging to hope, is now appealing directly to the government for justice, praying that her husband’s dedication to his profession will not be the reason for their family’s undoing. “We just want him home,” she pleads.
Haroon Ilyas Masih’s family is struggling to survive in his absence. As the sole breadwinner, his arrest has left his wife, Naila, and their two daughters in a state of despair. “We are facing tremendous difficulties, especially with my daughters still in school. Haroon was our pillar, and now that he’s gone, we are crumbling,” Naila said.
Haroon’s uncle, Ikhlaq Masih, recounted the devastating events that led to Haroon’s unjust imprisonment. “Haroon was simply doing his job, covering the tragic protest of a man, Qadeer, whose wife had been kidnapped. Out of sheer frustration with the police’s corruption and indifference, Qadeer set himself on fire. Haroon, like any responsible journalist, documented the tragedy,” he said. But when the police demanded Haroon erase the footage, he refused, standing by his integrity. That refusal cost him his freedom.
While another journalist, Shafique, was released the next day, Haroon remains imprisoned, bearing the brunt of the blame. “This entire case has unfairly targeted Haroon. He had no role in what happened; he was just there to report. We beg the government to see his innocence and free him,” Ikhlaq pleaded.
Even the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Asad Butt, has condemned Haroon’s arrest, calling it an unjust punishment for doing his duty. “It was the responsibility of the police, not the reporter, to prevent the tragedy. Haroon’s only role was to report, as instructed by his office. To accuse him of failing to intervene is both illogical and cruel,” Butt stated firmly. He raised the critical question of who would have protected Haroon had he intervened—journalists are not trained to manage life-threatening situations.
Naila’s final words echoed the deep pain her family is enduring: “We just want Haroon home. Our family is broken without him. Please, help us.”
As the days pass with Haroon Masih still in custody, the call for justice grows louder, with prominent voices from various fields expressing their deep concern. Asad Butt has stressed the need for a fair and thorough investigation, urging the state to conduct a detailed inquiry led by a specialized research committee. “This isn’t just about one man; it’s about truth, justice, and the responsibility of the state to uncover the real facts,” Butt passionately remarked. His plea for transparency resonates with all who believe in the right to truth.
As the community rallies behind Haroon, one truth remains clear: this fight is not just for his freedom, but for the truth and justice that all journalists deserve. The voices calling for his release grow louder by the day, and their shared hope is that justice will soon prevail.