Agha was arrested on Wednesday, sparking a huge backlash from several of his colleagues.

Speaking against the arrest, BNSO leader Sher Nadir Shahi said, "Ghulam Shehzad Agha is a strong voice of oppressed nation of Pakistan Administered Gilgit Baltistan. He was active in anti-land grabbing movement against establishment and also active in anti-tax movement."

Shahi has urged the Islamabad government to stop persecution of activists and local leaders while slapping false sedition charges against them. Apart from activists, journalists too face the same, if they dare speak up against the government.

Earlier this year, Pakistani scribe Taha Siddiqui's attempted abduction forced renowned journalist Raza Rumi to write an open letter to Islamabad, asking the regime to take the safety of his colleagues seriously.

In his op-ed for Daily Times, the senior Pakistani journalist wrote, "If the Pakistani state wants to increase citizen trust, create a tolerant society and improve its foreign ‘image’ – then ending this culture of impunity might be the first step. Otherwise we shall continue to hold that dreadful label as world’s most dangerous country for journalists."

Rumi also criticised the government inaction following Siddiqui's ordeal.

"It is not difficult to find out who these unknown attackers are. Technological tools are available but what is missing is the political will of the political elites who are afraid or, worse, indifferent. The Saleem Shahzad inquiry commission report had advised the government of the day to remedy the “systemic causes of tension between agencies and the media”. There was a long list of recommendations given but sadly nothing was implemented. Perhaps it is time to revisit these. Drafting new laws to protect journalists will do nothing if the executive authorities and the justice system will not discharge their mandates," he said.