Attack on journalists: Case registered against 39 varsity officials

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 23 June 2017

A case has been filed against 39 officials of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad following an incident involving the assault of journalists. The incident occurred as reporters were covering student expulsions.

Summary

ISLAMABAD – Punjab Police have registered a case against 39 officials of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad for beating up several journalists this week.

Dawn reported Friday that a first information report (FIR) was registered on behalf of Yousuf Cheema, a reporter with Samaa TV.

He was one of many journalists who got thrashed by security guards at the university on June 20 as they went to cover a story about expulsion of students by the administration.

Dawn said the suspects named in the FIR include Director of Student Affairs Shahbaz Talib, Principal Officer Dr. Jalal Arif, Security Chief Aamir Butt, Principal Officer Estate Management Dr. Haroon Zaman and Security Officer Latif Niazi.

At least 30 unidentified security guards are also mentioned in the FIR, the paper said.

The university’s Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmed was initially named in the FIR but later the complainant had his name removed after the official visited Samaa offices.

Dr. Ahmed reportedly apologized for the incident and assured the staff there that a probe is under way.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) on Thursday had given the government a 24-hour deadline to act against those involved in the attack.

KEY POINTS:

• Case registered against 39 university officials.
• Incident involved journalists covering student expulsions.
• Key figures include Director of Student Affairs and Security Chief.
• Vice Chancellor initially named but later cleared.
• PFUJ demands action within 24 hours.