The two journalists said that they were tortured for reporting on a coronavirus quarantine centre near the Afghan border, reports The News International.

Television reporters Saeed Ali Achakzai and Abdul Mateen Achakzai said they were abused while spending three days in detention in Balochistan province, reports the newspaper.

Balochistan´s Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said an inquiry into the incident has been initiated.

"Three officials who were directly involved in the incident have been suspended," Langove was quoted as saying by The News International, adding that the original case against the journalists had been dropped. In a statement, press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) showed concern over the incident.