Journalist Alifya Sohail reportedly went missing in Karachi on Wednesday after covering a protest outside the Karachi Press Club. According to multiple accounts, she was allegedly detained by police and later moved to an undisclosed location. Officials have not issued any statement regarding her whereabouts.
Sohail, known for reporting on human rights issues and cases of enforced disappearances, had been covering demonstrations against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. According to rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir, she was present at the protest between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Her last message was sent at 5:25 pm, after which her phone was switched off and contact with her was lost.
Nasir said that Sohail has frequently reported on civil society protests, including those organised by groups such as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). He criticised authorities, alleging that journalists covering sensitive issues continue to face harassment and detentions.
He called on the Sindh government to disclose Sohail’s location and ensure her safe recovery. As of Wednesday evening, neither the Sindh government nor the police had commented on the incident.