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Journalists receive bullet threats

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three Pakistani journalists employed by foreign news agencies each found an envelope stuffed with a single bullet waiting for them when they returned to their cars in the southern port city of Karachi, a local press official told CNN.

There were no reports that an individual or group claimed responsibility, but a spokesman with the Pakistan Federation of Union Journalists said the move was an attempt to intimidate and threaten working journalists.

A police official told CNN an investigation into the case has been launched.

Tuesday's incident comes in the wake of widespread political turmoil caused by President Pervez Musharraf's suspension of the country's chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry, nearly three months ago.

Violence against journalists and television stations has increased in recent weeks despite protests by media watchdog groups to ease up on what they say is a ban on fair reporting.

CNN's Syed Mohsin Naqvi in Lahore on Wednesday reported an organization with links to a pro-Musharraf political party has issued a list naming dozens of journalists as "enemies." It was not disclosed whether the three unnamed journalists who received the bullets were on the list.

Earlier this month, editor Shakil Turabi was hospitalized after he was kidnapped and found in critical condition in the capital, Islamabad, police and media sources told CNN.

Turabi, who works for the South Asian News Agency, blamed the May 18 attack on Musharraf's government, the sources said. Turabi was not able to substantiate the claim.

The Supreme Court has put tight restrictions on Pakistan's media in reporting about Chaudhry's case, warning that coverage, discussion and analysis that impede legal procedures will be treated as contempt of court.

Musharraf suspended Chaudhry from his post on March 9, accusing him of misusing his powers.

The dismissal has sparked widespread but largely peaceful demonstrations by the country's attorneys and those who believe Musharraf abused his authority.

A week after Chaudhry's suspension, Pakistani police stormed the private Geo television and demanded the removal of a roof-top camera covering the street protests in Islamabad.

Geo bureau chief Hamid Mir later received a televised apology from Musharraf.

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