IFJ condemns attack on Ahmed Noorani

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 30 October 2017

The IFJ condemned the attack on journalist Ahmed Noorani, urging for swift arrests. Noorani sustained serious injuries during the incident, emphasizing the dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan.

Summary

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned last week’s attack on The News journalist Ahmed Noorani and called for the arrest of the attackers.

"The IFJ condemns the attack on senior journalist Ahmed Noorani. The attack on a journalist in broad daylight on a busy street of Pakistan’s capital is a testament of the risk that journalists face. The IFJ demands the earlier arrest of the attackers and assurance of safety of journalists in Pakistan, which remains one of the most dangerous countries to be a journalist, with 94 journalists killed since 2007.”

Noorani, a senior reporter at the investigation cell of The News, sustained serious head injuries when he was dragged out of his car by unknown attackers and hit with iron rods and clubs.

Six attackers on three motorcycles intercepted Noorani’s car on a busy road and dragged him. His driver Mumtaz was injured while trying to prevent an attacker from hitting the journalist with a knife. Noorani and his driver were taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences’ for treatment.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has ordered a probe committee, which will submit its detailed report of the incident within three days. The motive of the attack remains unknown and no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and are investigating the case. – IFJ media release/Image courtesy: Samaa.tv

KEY POINTS:

• IFJ condemns attack on journalist Ahmed Noorani.
• Attack occurred in broad daylight in Islamabad.
• Noorani suffered serious head injuries from multiple attackers.
• Prime Minister ordered a probe into the incident.
• Police registered an FIR and are investigating the case.