Why news avoidance may be a bigger threat than misinformation Seven evidence-based media predictions for Pakistan and beyond in 2026 Dawn calls life sentences for journalists an extreme move Arab journalists pledge cooperation to defend media freedom Palestinian rights group flags press access limits Silencing an article in Pakistan makes it louder When telling the story becomes a crime: A warning shot for Pakistani journalism Breaking news alerts then and now: from urgency to overload AI reduces publisher traffic but not newsroom jobs, study finds Palestinian journalists face a wave of detentions in 2025 Why news avoidance may be a bigger threat than misinformation Seven evidence-based media predictions for Pakistan and beyond in 2026 Dawn calls life sentences for journalists an extreme move Arab journalists pledge cooperation to defend media freedom Palestinian rights group flags press access limits Silencing an article in Pakistan makes it louder When telling the story becomes a crime: A warning shot for Pakistani journalism Breaking news alerts then and now: from urgency to overload AI reduces publisher traffic but not newsroom jobs, study finds Palestinian journalists face a wave of detentions in 2025
Logo
Janu
Recording Pakistan's Media History

Samaa journalist in Sukkur abducted and tortured

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 5 January 2017 |  JP Staff Reporter

Join our WhatsApp channel

Samaa journalist in Sukkur abducted and tortured
Imdad Phulpoto, head of Samaa TV in Sukkur, was abducted and tortured by police. This incident has sparked nationwide protests among journalists.

KARACHI - Samaa TVstation head in Sukkur Imdad Phulpoto was abducted and tortured by police Thursday before being released hours later.

The channel reported the journalist had done several stories exposing Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah.

Police barged into his house at 8:00am, tortured his family members before he was taken away.

Television images showed Phulpoto’s shirt stained in blood with bruises on his face and he appeared to limp.

Samaa quoted Phulpoto as saying his brother and a cousin were also picked up by police and tortured. "I wasn't asked anything by the police. They just kept torturing me." He said he was asked to sign a blank paper but he refused.

Journalists across the country protested the abduction.

Image courtesy: Samaa

KEY POINTS:

  • Imdad Phulpoto was kidnapped by police during a raid on his home.
  • He reported being tortured, with visible injuries upon his release.
  • His family members were also reportedly targeted during the incident.
  • The abduction is linked to Phulpoto's investigative reporting on political figures.
  • Journalists across Pakistan are protesting against the attack on press freedom.

Read Next

Newsroom
Why news avoidance may be a bigger threat than misinformation

Why news avoidance may be a bigger threat than misinformation

 January 04, 2026 News avoidance is rising globally as audiences disengage from journalism. Media experts warn it may pose a bigger threat than misinformation to the future of news.


Seven evidence-based media predictions for Pakistan and beyond in 2026

Seven evidence-based media predictions for Pakistan and beyond in 2026

 January 04, 2026 A data-driven outlook on Pakistan and global media in 2026, examining legal risks, platform dependence, AI adoption, audience trust, and newsroom survival trends.


Dawn calls life sentences for journalists an extreme move

Dawn calls life sentences for journalists an extreme move

 January 04, 2026 Pakistan's Dawn warns that life sentences for journalists and YouTubers accused of defaming state institutions risk chilling press freedom and setting a dangerous legal precedent.


Arab journalists pledge cooperation to defend media freedom

Arab journalists pledge cooperation to defend media freedom

 January 04, 2026 Arab journalist unions from Jordan and Egypt announce deeper cooperation on training and advocacy, stressing media freedom and the role of Arab media in shaping global narratives.


Palestinian rights group flags press access limits

Palestinian rights group flags press access limits

 January 03, 2026 The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights highlights ongoing restrictions on journalists in occupied territories, impacting press freedom and humanitarian reporting.


Popular Stories