Journalists Manhandled in Political Party rally
Four Journalists were manhandled by demonstrators in a political rally representatives of Awami national Party (ANP) at different places in Karachi on Friday February 20, 2009.
Awami National party (ANP) organised a sit in front of Jung newspaper on February 20 to protest against lack of coverage of their news in the newspaper.
The ANP protesters marched from different parts of the city like Sohrab Goth, Korangi Road and Guru Mandir led by its Provincial Presedent Shahi Syed.
They manhandled four newsmen on the way to expressed their resentment against non cooperation by the media personnel. Malik Munawar Hussain a Senior Political Reporter of Channel-5 and Khabrain Newspaper, Shakeel Salwat a Senior Political Reporter of TV channel Metro One, Jamshaid Bukhari reporter of Jung newspaper and Fazil Jameeli editor Aaj Kul newspaper was attacked and beaten by the protestors at different spots on their march route.
Hussain of Channel-5 told PPF that he was going to Press Club with his cameraman Muhammad Nabeel. On the way ANP protestors saw us and rushed forward to attack us. While my cameraman was able to run away, I was beaten up and my mobile, Rs 5000 cash, press card were snatched. One person even opened fire on me but I was able to escape.
Another senior journalist Salawat told PPF that when I saw the rally at Guru Mandir, I went forward to cover it, and ask some questions. A few protestors attacked me and hit me with a baton on my leg. I was however able to escape without serious injury.
Similarly two other senior journalists Jamshaid Bukhari and Fazil Jameeli also reported being manhandled by the protestors who used abusive language also.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Sherry Rehman in a statement on Saturday condemned attack on journalists in Karachi. She expressed serious concern over such acts of violence against media persons.
She assured that the law enforcement organisations would take steps to provide security to working journalists.
Provincial Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Shazia Marri strongly condemn the terrible incident on Friday at Karachi Press Club.
Federal Secretary Information, Ashfaq Ahmad Gondal while condemning the incident of violence assured complete support to the journalist community.
The government, he said believes in the freedom of media and would take all possible steps to facilitate the journalists to freely perform their function.
Source: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
Date:2/23/2009
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