Imran Khan will continue to carry on with his duties as the prime minister, Pakistan President Arif Alvi said that the cricketer-turned-politician was de-notified as PM by the cabinet secretary. For more on this, WION is joined by Gul Bukhari, an analyst.

Pakistan political turmoil: 'Imran Khan has plunged entire country into a crisis,' says Gul Bukhari

In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, Gul Bukhari revealed she hasn't received any notice yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court. To know more about the conversation watch the video.

Wion Exclusive Talks with Pak Activist Gul Bukhari

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/Pakistan-news-update-breaking-Pakistan-army-threatened-to-kill-my-son-says-activist-Gul-Bukhari">Gul Bukhari</a> is a well known face in Pakistan and has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has&nbsp;on several instances&nbsp;questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in the country. Pakistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-pakistani-activist-gul-bukhari-threatened-with-terror-charges-280220">anti-terror agency</a> recently summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda".</p>

<p>In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/im-a-terrorist-please-fear-me-says-pak-activist-gul-bukhari-after-anti-terror-wing-summon-280422">Gul Bukhari </a>revealed she hasn't received any notice as yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> You've been accused of inciting violence, spreading hatred, maligning the government and creating divisions in Pakistan. What did you do to invite such serious charges?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari:</strong> There was this news about an FIA notice against me in which they had said that, they've sent me a notice and that I will have to appear before them and if I don't they would bring charges of terrorism and cybercrime against me. The fact around that piece of news is that I have not received any notice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media report showed a letter in which these things were mentioned, the one you're talking about creating divisions and incitement to violence. This is a letter that the Pakistan government has indeed written to the home office of the UK and 10 Downing Street and the foreign office and to the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I have written to the home office to let me have a copy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> So, the government is initiating some action against you. What do you propose to do in response?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari:</strong> I will do something about it once I get a notice from them, the FIA or somebody. There is absolutely nothing that I can do unless I am served the notice. I will take them to court if they serve me the notice, I will not respond. I will challenge them in a court of law in Pakistan. That is my plan. I have asked for a copy of the letter from the British government and I have asked them to let me know how they plan to respond to this request from Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Are you prepared to travel to Pakistan to pursue this case?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari:</strong> No, I will just get my lawyers to do it in Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Why are you being targeted?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari:</strong> To be honest, I am not sure. I think they can't handle dissent. I think there's a lot that goes on within the military and they keep it hush-hush. I get news of it and let people know about what they want to keep as a secret. That could be it. Otherwise, there's nothing that I have done recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>You're saying the military is upset because you're telling the world the stories that they want to keep under wraps. Do you have any examples?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari:</strong> Yes. A recent example is a story of General Sarfraz Sattar. They put it on the news that he has retired. I knew he hadn't, so I tweeted about that. His retirement date was September 2020 and they got it published at the end of November. There was no way he could retire, he could only resign. He had not resigned.</p>

<p>He was waiting around for his time to become the next, possibly COAS. Then he was put under house arrest. His entire family couldn't move around, they were home.</p>

<p>They pressured him into giving his resignation in December or January. I broke that news as well. It had come from his son who had missed his medical school and when his friends asked him he said he was under house arrest and that now his father has given the resignation and he is free to move around. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Did you think it will come to this?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari: </strong>I could have never imagined that it would come to this. From slapping charges and talking about the confiscation of property and involving the Interpol and charging me with terrorism... all this is crazy, absolutely unimaginable. Nobody could imagine that a government could stoop to this.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How is your family taking these developments?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari:</strong> They're worried. They are on my side and will fight alongside me.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Any word of assurance from the government of the UK or any other agency?</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari:</strong> Not yet. I've literally just approached the government, I have approached them just a short while ago asking for the copy of the letter and I intend to approach them not just for the copy of the letter and also for how do they intend to protect me and respond to Pakistan. I will also register this with the local police after I found out that they were looking for my address as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> The only support you've received is online?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Gul Bukhari: </strong>Yes. The government did get involved a year and a half ago when they abducted me. The UK parliament and the foreign office, they reached out to me and took down my account and offered me all of the support and everything and advised me to come back to the UK. So since December 2018, I am here.</p>


Gul Bukhari is a well known face in Pakistan and has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has on several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in the country.

Gul Bukhari is a well known face in Pakistan and has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has on several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in the country. Pakistan's anti-terror agency recently summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda". In an exclusive conversation with WION's Executive Editor Palki Shama Upadhyay, Gul Bukhari revealed she hasn't received any notice as yet and if she does, she will fight against it in the Pakistan court. WION: You've been accused of inciting violence, spreading hatred, maligning the government and creating divisions in Pakistan. What did you do to invite such serious charges? Gul Bukhari: There was this news about an FIA notice against me in which they had said that, they've sent me a notice and that I will have to appear before them and if I don't they would bring charges of terrorism and cybercrime against me. The fact around that piece of news is that I have not received any notice. The media report showed a letter in which these things were mentioned, the one you're talking about creating divisions and incitement to violence. This is a letter that the Pakistan government has indeed written to the home office of the UK and 10 Downing Street and the foreign office and to the police. I have written to the home office to let me have a copy. WION: So, the government is initiating some action against you. What do you propose to do in response? Gul Bukhari: I will do something about it once I get a notice from them, the FIA or somebody. There is absolutely nothing that I can do unless I am served the notice. I will take them to court if they serve me the notice, I will not respond. I will challenge them in a court of law in Pakistan. That is my plan. I have asked for a copy of the letter from the British government and I have asked them to let me know how they plan to respond to this request from Pakistan. WION: Are you prepared to travel to Pakistan to pursue this case? Gul Bukhari: No, I will just get my lawyers to do it in Pakistan. WION: Why are you being targeted? Gul Bukhari: To be honest, I am not sure. I think they can't handle dissent. I think there's a lot that goes on within the military and they keep it hush-hush. I get news of it and let people know about what they want to keep as a secret. That could be it. Otherwise, there's nothing that I have done recently. WION: You're saying the military is upset because you're telling the world the stories that they want to keep under wraps. Do you have any examples? Gul Bukhari: Yes. A recent example is a story of General Sarfraz Sattar. They put it on the news that he has retired. I knew he hadn't, so I tweeted about that. His retirement date was September 2020 and they got it published at the end of November. There was no way he could retire, he could only resign. He had not resigned. He was waiting around for his time to become the next, possibly COAS. Then he was put under house arrest. His entire family couldn't move around, they were home. They pressured him into giving his resignation in December or January. I broke that news as well. It had come from his son who had missed his medical school and when his friends asked him he said he was under house arrest and that now his father has given the resignation and he is free to move around. WION: Did you think it will come to this? Gul Bukhari: I could have never imagined that it would come to this. From slapping charges and talking about the confiscation of property and involving the Interpol and charging me with terrorism... all this is crazy, absolutely unimaginable. Nobody could imagine that a government could stoop to this. WION: How is your family taking these developments? Gul Bukhari: They're worried. They are on my side and will fight alongside me. WION: Any word of assurance from the government of the UK or any other agency? Gul Bukhari: Not yet. I've literally just approached the government, I have approached them just a short while ago asking for the copy of the letter and I intend to approach them not just for the copy of the letter and also for how do they intend to protect me and respond to Pakistan. I will also register this with the local police after I found out that they were looking for my address as well. WION: The only support you've received is online? Gul Bukhari: Yes. The government did get involved a year and a half ago when they abducted me. The UK parliament and the foreign office, they reached out to me and took down my account and offered me all of the support and everything and advised me to come back to the UK. So since December 2018, I am here.

I let people know what the Army wants to keep a secret: Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari to WION

<p>Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari who was summoned by Pakistan's anti-terror squad last week, said in a tweet that the Pakistan army threatened to kill her son.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is.</p>
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1229146302430302208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is," Bukhari said in a tweet.</p>

<p>The country's anti-terror agency had summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda".</p>

<p>It alleged that Bukhari is part of a cyber-terrorism ring and is associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army.</p>

<p>According to the summon, Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days.</p>

<p>In a cryptic tweet later, Bukhari said "I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," while taking a dig at the Pakistan army.</p>

<p>Bukhari&nbsp;a well-known face in Pakistan has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and on&nbsp;several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.</p>


Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari who was summoned by Pakistan's anti-terror squad last week, said in a tweet that the Pakistan army threatened to kill her son. Pakistan army threatened to kill my son.

Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari who was summoned by Pakistan's anti-terror squad last week, said in a tweet that the Pakistan army threatened to kill her son. Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is. — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 16, 2020 × "Pakistan army threatened to kill my son. Yes, this is how low this outfit is," Bukhari said in a tweet. The country's anti-terror agency had summoned the London-based activist accusing her of harbouring "anti-Pakistan agenda". It alleged that Bukhari is part of a cyber-terrorism ring and is associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army. According to the summon, Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days. In a cryptic tweet later, Bukhari said "I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," while taking a dig at the Pakistan army. Bukhari a well-known face in Pakistan has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and on several instances questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.

Pakistan army threatened to kill my son, says activist Gul Bukhari

<p>A day after reports emerged of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Gul Bukhari </a>being summoned by Pakistan's anti-terrorism squad, the London-based activist hit back at authorities with a cryptic tweet.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/latest-south-asia-news-pakistani-activist-gul-bukhari-threatened-with-terror-charges-280220">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan's anti-terror wing summons activist Gul Bukhari</a></p>

<p>"I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Gul Bukhari</a> said in a tweet, adding,"the terrorist," with an emoji while taking a dig&nbsp;at Pakistan&nbsp;officials.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m a terrorist. Please fear me.</p>
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1227656347522564098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Committee to protect journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me," she said in her tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The terrorist. 😂 <a href="https://t.co/DhftobdFVu">https://t.co/DhftobdFVu</a></p>
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1227655080805117954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The anti-terror wing had accused the activist of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me. <a href="https://t.co/tXRuForbGQ">https://t.co/tXRuForbGQ</a></p>
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1227654052655267840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the summon,&nbsp;Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Also Read: Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home</a></p>

<p>Bukhari has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Two years ago Bukhari was abducted by an unidentified group of people but was released later. She is now based in London.&nbsp;</p>


A day after reports emerged of Gul Bukhari being summoned by Pakistan's anti-terrorism squad, the London-based activist hit back at authorities with a cryptic tweet.

A day after reports emerged of Gul Bukhari being summoned by Pakistan's anti-terrorism squad, the London-based activist hit back at authorities with a cryptic tweet. Also Read: Pakistan's anti-terror wing summons activist Gul Bukhari "I’m a terrorist. Please fear me," Gul Bukhari said in a tweet, adding,"the terrorist," with an emoji while taking a dig at Pakistan officials. I’m a terrorist. Please fear me. — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 12, 2020 × "Committee to protect journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me," she said in her tweet. The terrorist. 😂 https://t.co/DhftobdFVu — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 12, 2020 × The anti-terror wing had accused the activist of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army. Committee to Protect Journalists, CPJ, slams the Pakistan government over slapping terrorism charges on me. https://t.co/tXRuForbGQ — Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) February 12, 2020 × According to the summon, Bukhari's property can be confiscated if she does not respond in the next 30 days. Also Read: Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home Bukhari has been a strong critic of the Pakistan army and has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan. Two years ago Bukhari was abducted by an unidentified group of people but was released later. She is now based in London.

I'm a terrorist, please fear me, says Pak activist Gul Bukhari after anti-terror wing summon

<p>London-based Pakistan&nbsp;activist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Gul Bukhari</a> has been threatened with terror charges.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Bukhari </a>has been accused of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Balochistan Liberation army</a>.</p>

<p>The anti-terrorism wing of Pakistan's federal investigation agency has summoned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Bukhari </a>over her anti-Pakistan&nbsp;comments.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Pakistan army denies abducting&nbsp;activist Gul Bukhari</a></strong></p>

<p>She can be extradited via a court order and her property can also be confiscated by the government if she does not respond to the summon in 30 days.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Gul Bukhari </a>is one of the most prominent Pakistani activists and a strong critic of the Pakistan army.&nbsp;She has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan.</p>

<p>In 2018, she was abducted by an unidentified group of people but&nbsp;was released a few hours later.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/abducted-pakistan-journalist-gul-bukhari-returns-home-142485">Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home</a></strong></p>

<p>Subsequently, she moved to Britain since then, she has carried on with her activism from London.&nbsp;She was a Pakistan-based journalist earlier.&nbsp;Twitter has been buzzing with support for her ever since the news broke.</p>

<p>Pakistani citizens say the whole case is a conspiracy, a rap on the knuckles for her criticism of Imran Khan's government and the Pakistani army.&nbsp;Many of them have also questioned&nbsp;the government's priorities.</p>

<p>This move comes in the backdrop of a major security lapse in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Pakistan</a>.&nbsp;Security forces recently admitted that a high profile Pakistani <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Taliban </a>terrorist managed to escape from their custody.</p>

<p>Netizens are asking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-denies-abducting-british-activist-143352">Imran Khan</a> whether he is more interested in curbing dissent than securing his country against known terrorists.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Don't believe Gul will be deterred/bullied by such tactics which are not new for her. Despicable to treat democratic voices like terrorists<a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GulBukhari</a></p>
— Tariq Butt (@tariqbutt_) <a href="https://twitter.com/tariqbutt_/status/1227197748291756032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Strongly condemn this heinous notice issued by FIA to <a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GulBukhari</a><br />
That is the reason DG FIA Bashir Memon had to resign because he wouldn’t be part of this unlawfulness.<br />
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This notice is beyond harassment and I rather see that as state terrorism to an innocent citizen. <a href="https://t.co/brJlN26Oak">https://t.co/brJlN26Oak</a></p>
— Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamaJunejo/status/1227193786331209729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A">https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A</a></p>
— Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gulalai_Ismail/status/1227376893260959745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A">https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A</a></p>
— Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gulalai_Ismail/status/1227376893260959745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They can't prevent ex-Taliban spox Ehsanullah Ehsan from "escaping", can't rein in Islamic State (Daesh) supporter Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid, but they go after journalist &amp; rights activist Gul Bukhari (<a href="https://twitter.com/GulBukhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GulBukhari</a>) as if she's a terrorist. Tells us a lot about their priorities.. <a href="https://t.co/4vqitqgNqZ">pic.twitter.com/4vqitqgNqZ</a></p>
— Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) <a href="https://twitter.com/bilalfqi/status/1227149463715708928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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London-based Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari has been threatened with terror charges. Bukhari has been accused of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army.

London-based Pakistan activist Gul Bukhari has been threatened with terror charges. Bukhari has been accused of harbouring anti-Pakistan agenda, being a part of a cyber-terrorism ring and being associated with the Haqqani network and the Balochistan Liberation army. The anti-terrorism wing of Pakistan's federal investigation agency has summoned Bukhari over her anti-Pakistan comments. Also read: Pakistan army denies abducting activist Gul Bukhari She can be extradited via a court order and her property can also be confiscated by the government if she does not respond to the summon in 30 days. Gul Bukhari is one of the most prominent Pakistani activists and a strong critic of the Pakistan army. She has consistently questioned the extra-constitutional influence that the army has had over the civilian government in Pakistan. In 2018, she was abducted by an unidentified group of people but was released a few hours later. Also read: Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home Subsequently, she moved to Britain since then, she has carried on with her activism from London. She was a Pakistan-based journalist earlier. Twitter has been buzzing with support for her ever since the news broke. Pakistani citizens say the whole case is a conspiracy, a rap on the knuckles for her criticism of Imran Khan's government and the Pakistani army. Many of them have also questioned the government's priorities. This move comes in the backdrop of a major security lapse in Pakistan. Security forces recently admitted that a high profile Pakistani Taliban terrorist managed to escape from their custody. Netizens are asking Imran Khan whether he is more interested in curbing dissent than securing his country against known terrorists. Don't believe Gul will be deterred/bullied by such tactics which are not new for her. Despicable to treat democratic voices like terrorists@GulBukhari — Tariq Butt (@tariqbutt_) February 11, 2020 × Strongly condemn this heinous notice issued by FIA to @GulBukhari That is the reason DG FIA Bashir Memon had to resign because he wouldn’t be part of this unlawfulness. This notice is beyond harassment and I rather see that as state terrorism to an innocent citizen. https://t.co/brJlN26Oak — Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) February 11, 2020 × The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A — Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) February 11, 2020 × The pathetically shameless cowards institutions of the Pakistani state give protection and safe escape to terrorists like OBL and Ehsanullah Ehsan but show their relentless might when it comes to voice of dissidents who want democracy and peace to flourish in Pakistan. https://t.co/iGsQJHGf7A — Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) February 11, 2020 × They can't prevent ex-Taliban spox Ehsanullah Ehsan from "escaping", can't rein in Islamic State (Daesh) supporter Abdul Aziz of Lal Masjid, but they go after journalist & rights activist Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) as if she's a terrorist. Tells us a lot about their priorities.. pic.twitter.com/4vqitqgNqZ — Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) February 11, 2020 ×

Pakistan's anti-terror wing summons activist Gul Bukhari

Pakistan: Investigative agency summons Prominent govt's critic Gul Bukhari

<p>Pakistan's army has denied abducting a British-Pakistani activist known for criticising the military, in an incident that prompted a wave of condemnation and increased fears of a crackdown on free speech.</p>

<p>Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan.</p>

<p>She was released early Wednesday.</p>

<p>Pakistan has a history of enforced disappearances, often of people who criticise the security establishment -- largely seen as a red line few dare cross. The kidnappings have become increasingly brazen in recent years.</p>

<p>Bukhari is known for advocating human rights online and is also a prominent columnist whose articles are often highly critical of the military and its policies.</p>

<p>When news of her abduction broke it caused a furore, with widespread calls for her release and fingers broadly pointed at the military.&nbsp</p>

<p>The British High Commission expressed "concern" at the incident as activists called on the army, which is the most powerful institution in Pakistan and has ruled the country for nearly half its 70-year history, to tolerate dissent.</p>

<p>"(The) army is not behind the abduction of Gul Bukhari," Major General Asif Ghafoor, chief military spokesman, told reporters late Friday.</p>

<p>"We actually want a thorough investigation in this case," he said.</p>

<p>The military routinely says it is not involved in enforced disappearances, but the statement was a rare on-the-record denial.</p>

<p>It came as the powerful army is facing growing criticism of its policies within Pakistan, from disappearances to the use of militant proxies in Afghanistan and India.</p>

<p>A burgeoning civil rights movement by the country's ethnic Pashtuns and recent comments from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif have increasingly criticised the generals and caused uproar in the country.</p>

<p>Journalists have spoken of "pressure" not to cover the criticisms, adding to an atmosphere of repression.</p>

<p>During a wide-ranging press conference Monday that appeared to address the mounting criticism, the military issued a veiled warning to online critics, saying it has the capacity to monitor social media accounts.</p>

<p>Ghafoor briefly flashed an image on screen showing what appeared to be Twitter handles and names, including of at least one prominent journalist, but refused to elaborate further, fuelling the outcry over free speech.</p>

<p>Late Friday he said they "did not intend to implicate journalists".</p>

<p>Activists remained sceptical of the military's role in disappearances and curtailing of free speech.</p>

<p>"If they did not do it, then they need to come up with an action, a plan of enquiry (to investigate) who did," said Shahzad Ahmed, head of Bytes for All, a think-tank working for digital security and free speech.</p>

<p>"So far the fingers are being pointed towards them." &nbsp&nbsp</p>


Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan.

Pakistan's army has denied abducting a British-Pakistani activist known for criticising the military, in an incident that prompted a wave of condemnation and increased fears of a crackdown on free speech. Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan. She was released early Wednesday. Pakistan has a history of enforced disappearances, often of people who criticise the security establishment -- largely seen as a red line few dare cross. The kidnappings have become increasingly brazen in recent years. Bukhari is known for advocating human rights online and is also a prominent columnist whose articles are often highly critical of the military and its policies. When news of her abduction broke it caused a furore, with widespread calls for her release and fingers broadly pointed at the military. The British High Commission expressed "concern" at the incident as activists called on the army, which is the most powerful institution in Pakistan and has ruled the country for nearly half its 70-year history, to tolerate dissent. "(The) army is not behind the abduction of Gul Bukhari," Major General Asif Ghafoor, chief military spokesman, told reporters late Friday. "We actually want a thorough investigation in this case," he said. The military routinely says it is not involved in enforced disappearances, but the statement was a rare on-the-record denial. It came as the powerful army is facing growing criticism of its policies within Pakistan, from disappearances to the use of militant proxies in Afghanistan and India. A burgeoning civil rights movement by the country's ethnic Pashtuns and recent comments from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif have increasingly criticised the generals and caused uproar in the country. Journalists have spoken of "pressure" not to cover the criticisms, adding to an atmosphere of repression. During a wide-ranging press conference Monday that appeared to address the mounting criticism, the military issued a veiled warning to online critics, saying it has the capacity to monitor social media accounts. Ghafoor briefly flashed an image on screen showing what appeared to be Twitter handles and names, including of at least one prominent journalist, but refused to elaborate further, fuelling the outcry over free speech. Late Friday he said they "did not intend to implicate journalists". Activists remained sceptical of the military's role in disappearances and curtailing of free speech. "If they did not do it, then they need to come up with an action, a plan of enquiry (to investigate) who did," said Shahzad Ahmed, head of Bytes for All, a think-tank working for digital security and free speech. "So far the fingers are being pointed towards them."

Pakistan army denies abducting British activist

<p>Pakistan based journalist and activist Gul Bukhari, who was abducted by unknown people in Lahore on Tuesday night has now returned home.</p>

<p>Her family has confirmed that she has returned home and is fine, Dawn reported.</p>

<p>Responding to the incident, former Pakistan Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani tweeted, "Concerned by news of columnist @gulbukhari, British-#Pakistan dual national & outspoken critic of Pak military's role in politics, going missing. She should not join the long list of #EnforcedDisappearances in #Pakistan."</p>

<p>Journalists like Umer Ali and Saeed Shah earlier tweeted confirming the news of her abduction.</p>

<p>"Several journalists confirming @gulbukhari was forcibly picked up while on her way to attend a TV talk show. She has been a consisted critic of the military's alleged intervention in the Pakistani politics," Umer Ali's tweeted.</p>

<p>"Gul Bukhari is a political activist and social media voice in Pakistan. Reports suggest she was abducted by agents of the state. This is just weeks before an election," Saeed Shah said in a tweet.</p>

<p>Another Twitter user Afrasiab Khattak in a tweet said, "I strongly condemn the abduction of Gul Bukhari in Lahore. Armed invasion on Wana Town to physically eliminate Ali Wazir & Gul Bukhari's abduction shows that the forces of fascism are using the absence of a political government for crushing dissent."</p>

<p>Bukhari was on her way to the studio to appear in a show when some unknown people stopped her vehicle and abducted her.</p>

<p>She, who is known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistan military's role in politics, is currently a contributing Op-Ed writer at The Nation.</p>


Gul Bukhari is a political activist and social media voice in Pakistan. Reports suggest she was abducted by agents of the state.

Pakistan based journalist and activist Gul Bukhari, who was abducted by unknown people in Lahore on Tuesday night has now returned home. Her family has confirmed that she has returned home and is fine, Dawn reported. Responding to the incident, former Pakistan Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani tweeted, "Concerned by news of columnist @gulbukhari, British-#Pakistan dual national & outspoken critic of Pak military's role in politics, going missing. She should not join the long list of #EnforcedDisappearances in #Pakistan." Journalists like Umer Ali and Saeed Shah earlier tweeted confirming the news of her abduction. "Several journalists confirming @gulbukhari was forcibly picked up while on her way to attend a TV talk show. She has been a consisted critic of the military's alleged intervention in the Pakistani politics," Umer Ali's tweeted. "Gul Bukhari is a political activist and social media voice in Pakistan. Reports suggest she was abducted by agents of the state. This is just weeks before an election," Saeed Shah said in a tweet. Another Twitter user Afrasiab Khattak in a tweet said, "I strongly condemn the abduction of Gul Bukhari in Lahore. Armed invasion on Wana Town to physically eliminate Ali Wazir & Gul Bukhari's abduction shows that the forces of fascism are using the absence of a political government for crushing dissent." Bukhari was on her way to the studio to appear in a show when some unknown people stopped her vehicle and abducted her. She, who is known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistan military's role in politics, is currently a contributing Op-Ed writer at The Nation.

Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home

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