Digital Blackmailers Tarnishing the Image of Journalism in Balochistan

By: Zafarullah Achakzai

Balochistan is a land blessed not only with immense mineral wealth but also with a rich legacy of political, literary, and intellectual figures. There was a time when the province was known not just for its mountains and deserts but for its refined culture, literature, and dignified journalism. From Khan Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai’s first magazine to the newspapers that followed, journalism in Balochistan once embodied grace, respect, and seriousness. Even disagreement was expressed with reason and civility.

However, over time these values have eroded. Sensational evening newspapers, the chaotic race of electronic media for “breaking news,” and now the unchecked invasion of social and digital media have collectively damaged the integrity of journalism.

This article sheds light on a growing and deeply concerning trend in Balochistan: the rise of self-proclaimed journalists and digital blackmailers who have turned journalism into a business. Today, if one scrolls through Facebook or TikTok, they might get the impression that Balochistan is unlivable—a place without hospitals, roads, water, or any functioning system. While the province indeed suffers from legitimate issues, the constant exaggeration, distortion, and propaganda are driven not by reform but by ulterior motives.

These individuals, armed with smartphones but lacking education or journalistic training, blur the line between reporting and accusation. Highlighting wrongdoing is journalism; portraying everything as rotten while ignoring progress is malicious intent. Instead of constructive criticism, these digital voices thrive on outrage, chaos, and negativity.

The troubling reality is that many of these so-called journalists lack training and credibility, and some use their platforms for blackmail. Their behavior has caused genuine journalists to feel embarrassed to identify themselves in public gatherings. Without research or verification, they record and publish videos filled with unsubstantiated allegations until the individuals they target “settle the matter.”

Shockingly, even camera operators and technical staff of major TV channels contribute to this trend, using their channel’s footage and resources for personal social media pages to pursue their own agendas. Some former high-profile media professionals have also joined hands with them. They eagerly cover small protests outside press clubs—easy targets for exploitation—while ignoring more meaningful events such as academic or literary gatherings.

Fake news and fabricated analysis have become rampant. Someone leaves home after an argument and vents online by claiming that a political party is falling apart or that the chief minister is about to be ousted. Others allege multi-million-rupee gifts to officials without any evidence. Many of these individuals have no journalistic background and often work as camera operators or unrelated staff.

This is not an attempt to defend any government or official, but rather a lament for the declining standards of journalism in the province. The silence of senior journalists, press club officials, and unions is alarming. If these black sheep are not held accountable today, tomorrow they will take to the streets shouting “Press freedom is under threat” when legal action is taken against them—forcing genuine journalists to stand alongside them.

The crisis of digital blackmail and irresponsible reporting in Balochistan has become a threat not only to journalism but also to society, truth, and public trust.