A wave of attacks on journalists and media professionals was documented during the recent protests at the end of September and the first week of October.
This statement was originally published on pakistanpressfoundation.org on 11 October 2024.
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) strongly condemned the multiple acts of violence, harassment, and detention of journalists while covering political protests by the opposition political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The recurring mistreatment of media professionals during politically charged events highlights an alarming trend where both law enforcement and political party members have disregarded press freedom and the role that media plays in covering key developments. This ongoing violation of journalists’ rights to work without intimidation or harm is unacceptable, and PPF demands that those responsible be held accountable.
PPF emphasizes that such attacks on the press are not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing pattern during politically heated protests. Similar abuses were reported in previous PTI protests and rallies. PPF urges political parties, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to develop a code of conduct that safeguards media professionals during protests and rallies, ensuring their safety and the continuation of reporting. Political protestors and law enforcement must not lump journalists with protestors, as the media’s role is distinctly different and must be respected.
A wave of attacks on journalists and media professionals was documented during the recent protests at the end of September and the first week of October. Geo News reporter Haider Shirazi was tortured by police officers while filming police actions against a protester on September 28 in Islamabad. Despite identifying himself as a journalist, Shirazi’s phone was confiscated in direct contravention of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021, and he was taken to an undisclosed location. Additionally, Sajjad Kazmi, a reporter for Such TV, and his cameraman Fakhar Hayat were beaten by police officers on October 4 while covering a PTI protest in Faizabad, Islamabad. Kazmi stated: “We kept telling them we were journalists, but they didn’t listen and continued attacking us.”
Qamar Makeen, a reporter for GTV, was also assaulted while covering a PTI protest on October 5 in Islamabad. Makeen reported that around 8 to 9 pm, while passing through the Shaheed-e-Millat area, he witnessed police officers beating a person on the ground. As he began recording, the police approached him, and despite his attempts to show his press card and identify himself as a journalist, they grabbed him by the collar, dragged him, and beat him. Makeen recalled an officer saying, “Ruk abhi teri sahafat nikaalte hain” (“Wait, we’ll deal with your journalism now”). He was only released when other officers intervened. Shaken, he sought refuge in a nearby office.
On October 4, Tahir Naseer, a senior reporter for Dawn News, and freelance cameraman Yasir Mehmood were attacked by police while covering a PTI rally at Dhok Kala Khan Bridge, Express Highway in Islamabad. Naseer stated that the police, under the pretense of checking their press cards, snatched their wallets and attempted to seize their equipment. Despite identifying themselves as journalists, they were assaulted. Station House Officer Khanna, Irshad Cheema, slapped Naseer and ordered further shelling on them while other officers attempted to confiscate their mobile phones. Both Naseer and Mehmood narrowly escaped the attack.
Digital journalist Zeeshan Noor Chaudhry shared in a post on X that he was arrested while covering the PTI protests in Islamabad. Hasnain Rafiq, an anchor for Naya Pakistan Channel, said his home was raided. Makhdoom Shahab Uddin, Islamabad, in a post shared on X, said he was arrested and later released.
Zahida Rao, a reporter for ABN News, reported harassment and physical restraint by male police officers during her coverage of a protest in Islamabad. Despite showing her press card, she was surrounded and forced to delete footage documenting police violence. Similarly, Allah Noor Wazir, a reporter for Mashriq TV, was beaten with sticks by police officers while covering a PTI protest in China Chowk, Islamabad, sustaining injuries to his hand and leg.
Amanat Goshkari, a crime reporter for 24 News, was fired upon with rubber bullets by police during the Islamabad protests on October 3. Goshkari had been assigned by his office to cover the protest; while he stood on the sidelines and his cameraman was capturing footage, the police began firing tear gas and bullets at the protesters, and a rubber bullet struck him, resulting in an eye injury.
Baber Malik, a reporter for ARY News, was attacked by PTI protestors on September 28 while covering events on Muree Road, Islamabad. Malik recounted how stones were thrown at him by protestors, causing minor injuries and damaging his mobile phone.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) have strongly condemned these escalating attacks and demanded immediate action from both the government and PTI to protect media workers.
The RIUJ also emphasized that these violent incidents are not misunderstandings but deliberate attacks on press freedom. RIUJ officials have called for clear government policies to address whether this brutality is sanctioned or a result of local police actions.
PPF reiterates its demand that authorities hold the perpetrators accountable, initiate comprehensive investigations, and create protective mechanisms for journalists. Press freedom must be preserved so journalists can perform their duties without fear of violence or persecution.
