Armed men try to break into cartoonist’s house
PESHAWAR, May 24: Unidentified armed men attempted to enter the house of Daily Times cartoonist Muhammad Zahoor late on Thursday night and fired shots at an area watchman when he tried to stop them.
Zahoor, who has won four APNS awards for best cartoonist, said that the men rang his doorbell at 2am but he did not open the door sensing danger.
Watchman Imdad tried to stop the attackers’ white (Suzuki 800cc) car, but they opened fire. Imdad luckily escaped unhurt. Zahoor said that he did not have enmity with any person.
He has reported the incident to police. Zahoor is known for critical cartoons. Daily Times Editor Najam Sethi condemned the attack and said the newspaper would not be deterred from continuing to follow independent policies. “I have also personally received dire warnings from non-state extremists,” he said.
“We will stand by Zahoor and demand that the government provide armed guards for his security.” Peshawar Press Club President Muhammad Riaz urged the government to provide security to Zahoor and arrest the culprits. He warned of a protest drive if their demand was not met.
Source: Daily Times
Date:5/25/2007
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