The attack is believed to be in retaliation for Syed Sheryar Asim's recent reporting on criminal gang activities.
(PPF/IFEX) – Syed Sheryar Asim, host of the “Target” programme broadcast on Aaj TV, was attacked in Karachi, the capital city of Sindh province, when two armed men on a motorbike opened fire on his car at 8:30 a.m. on 27 July 2011.
Asim informed PPF that he was in his car, together with his brother, when the two armed assailants tried to intercept them. When the journalist refused to stop the car, they opened fire. The bullets did not reach them, however, and Asim and his brother were not injured in the attack. When they returned home half an hour later, the journalist received a call from a man who threatened him, saying, “Next time the bullets will not be aimed at your car but at your chest.”
The attack is believed to be in retaliation for Asim’s recent reporting on criminal gang activities. The journalist has been receiving threats because of his programme.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) have expressed concern over the attack and demanded that the government take serious notice of the attempt on Asim’s life and bring the assailants to justice.
Local police have registered the case filed by Asim.
