Pakistani cyber crime detectives are investigating journalists for disrespecting the Saudi Crown Prince by displaying pictures of Jamal Khashoggi on their social media profiles to highlight his murder.

The online gesture of solidarity during a recent state visit by one of Pakistan's most generous benefactors prompted officials to order action against those involved.

Leaked orders from the director of the national cyber crime division accuse several prominent journalists of conveying “a very disrespectful message to the visiting dignitary/guest”.

The move was criticised as pandering to Saudi Arabia and another sign of the crackdown on media freedom in Pakistan.

“ This is preposterous. Imran Khan's administration is trying to appease its news bosses, the Saudis,” said Murtaza Solangi, one of those named.

“ The media in Pakistan was already muted and silenced, and this is a fresh attempt to make Pakistan look like an appendage of the Saudi monarchy.”