Several journalists, including Geo News reporter Haider Shirazi, Dawn News reporter Tahir Naseer, and ABN News reporter Zahida Rao, were violently assaulted by police while covering a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Faizan Hussain, former Secretary General of the Khyber Union of Journalists, was arrested by police in Peshawar during a separate PTI protest. Despite identifying themselves as journalists, they were subjected to physical abuse, attempts to confiscate their equipment, and intimidation, leading to widespread condemnation from media organizations.
In Islamabad, Geo News reporter Haider Shirazi was assaulted while recording footage of police violence against a protester on September 28. His phone was confiscated, and he was taken to an undisclosed location. At Dhok Kala Khan, Dawn News reporter Tahir Naseer faced violence from officers who first requested his identification, then seized his wallet and physically assaulted him on October 4. ABN News reporter Zahida Rao was also dragged away by women police officers who tried to confiscate her phone, though she resisted and continued reporting.
Faizan Hussain, former Secretary General of the Khyber Union of Journalists, was arrested by police in Peshawar on baseless accusations of political affiliation but later released after proving his innocence.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the violence against media workers during a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, including the detention of journalist Faizan Hussain. In a statement on October 6, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari criticized both the government and PTI for their treatment of journalists. They demanded Hussain’s immediate release and called for the arrest of those responsible for harassing and intimidating media personnel.
The union further asserted that the media fraternity will not remain silent on these attacks and may resort to further action, including a boycott of PTI coverage, if the party fails to change its stance towards the media.
