Pak journo receives threatening SMS after report on Pasha

Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir has claimed he had received threatening messages, apparently from intelligence and security agencies, after he criticised the security establishment on his television talk show.

Mir claimed he had received a threatening SMS message on his BlackBerry phone recently. He further claimed that when he responded to the message, he received another SMS that accused him of being "a CIA, RAW and Mossad agent".

"I have received these kinds of threatening messages, usually from intelligence agencies, in the past," Mir said in an e-mail message sent to journalists. He said he felt the threats were related to two recent shows on Geo News in which he had discussed the political role of ISI chief Lt Gen Ahed Shuja Pasha and alleged atrocities by the Pakistan army in Balochistan.

"I am sure that the security establishment of Pakistan is once again angry with all those who will raise questions about the political role of army. If anything bad happens with me or my dear ones, the security establishment will be responsible," Mir said adding that he had informed the Committee to Protect Journalists about the threats.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari took notice of the reported threats to Mir and ordered an investigation. Interior Minster Rehman Malik condemned the reported threats and said the government will ensure full protection and security is provide to Mir and the journalist community.

Talking to reporters outside parliament, Malik said, "The government has taken strong notice of this issue and a deputy superintended of police has been deputed for Hamid Mir's security."

A parliamentary committee has been constituted to probe the issue and the government will provide all assistance in this regard, Malik said.