• November 30, 2024
• General News
• Web Desk

The Press Council of Pakistan (PCP) and Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) have condemned the violence targeting journalists and media houses during protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad.

PCP Chairman M. Arshad Khan Jadoon termed the attacks on journalists and media houses a violation of press freedom and journalistic integrity. “No one will be allowed to intimidate or harm media professionals or institutions under any circumstances,” he said. The PCP reaffirmed its support for the journalist community, stressing that such violence will not be tolerated.

Separately, KUJ President Tahir Hasan Khan and General Secretary Liaqat Kashmiri expressed grave concerns over the government’s failure to protect journalists and media organizations. They criticized the political party (PTI) leadership for failing to control its workers. KUJ highlighted that journalists already work under challenging conditions and urged political and religious groups to cooperate with the media in their working.

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) detailed multiple incidents of violence, including a group of 60-70 protestors attempting to enter the National Press Club premises forcibly. The mob reportedly broke the main gate and harassed staff, while damage to the gate and threats to DSNG vehicles parked on-site were reported. Protesters also hurled stones at several media offices, including Geo News, Aik News, Samaa News and AGN News.

Journalists on the ground recounted harrowing experiences. Qurat-ul-Ain Sherazi of Independent Urdu reported being asked to stop reporting and being pushed by protestors. Associated Press cameraman Mohammad Yousaf was injured by protesters on Srinagar Highway, who hit him with an iron rod and damaged his vehicle.

Several DSNG vehicles, including those of Geo News, Suno News, and Aaj News, were targeted with stones during the protests.

PPF has also voiced concern over the repeated targeting of journalists during political unrest, describing it as an alarming trend. PPF urged PTI to develop guidelines for engagement with the media and for political leadership to set an example for their workers by respecting the role of journalists.

PPF also called for the immediate establishment of the Commission under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021.

Photo: View of site during clash between security officials and protesters during protest of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)  at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. (Zubair Abbasi/PPI Images).