Mir says he faced threats from both state and non-state actors

Pakistan's leading news anchor Hamid Mir, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt recently, today said that he faced threats from both non-state and state actors including the powerful spy agency ISI.
In a statement read out by his brother Amir Mir on his 'behalf', Hamid said he had recently been approached by intelligence officers who informed him that he was on a hit-list.
"When I asked as to who had prepared the hit-list, the men gave no response."
His statement came amidst a growing controversy over the attack and the subsequent fallout.
Pakistan's electronic media regulator has issued a show cause notice to Geo TV asking why it should not be closed down as demanded by the Defence Ministry for airing "false and scandalous reports".

In the notice, Geo News administration has been asked to submit its reply within 14 days.

In the statement, Hamid Mir said he had told the intelligence officers that "in the prevailing circumstance he had faced greatest threats from the ISI and they should convey this to their bosses".
"If any harm came to me or my family, the state and non-state actors will be responsible...I had been receiving threats from both state and non-state actors," he said.
"I had informed in advance about the threats to the Geo's administration, family members, close friends and companions. I had also pointed out the elements from whom I faced the threats," he added.

Incidentally, the statement by Hamid did not mention the name of ISI chief Lt Gen Zaheer-ul Islam as mentioned by Amir soon after the attack last week.
Amir had blamed "certain elements" in the ISI and its chief of orchestrating the attack taking everyone by surprise.
Since then, the channel has faced a backlash for airing such views without any evidence and then playing it up.
Hamid also asked as to why no action was taken against the elements who had planted explosives beneath his car.
"Why these elements were not exposed," he questioned.
His fight is for sovereignty and security of Pakistan, restoration of peace, eradication of terrorism, rule of law and freedom of speech which cannot be suppressed, said Amir.

No individual or institution is above the law, he said, adding that covering up armed forces and its agencies' role in politics was criminal silence.
Hamid condemns the government and other state institution's efforts for suspending Geo TV's transmissions, the statement said.