Minister's men beat up journalist in Zhob

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 7 years ago

QUETTA – A group of people said to be close to provincial Agriculture Minister Jaffar Khan Mandokhail beat up a journalist on Saturday night in Zhob.

Dawn reported Monday that Asad Khan Betini, who works for a private television channel had been receiving threats for his reporting on corruption.

The paper said the journalist was admitted to the Civil Hospital on Sunday for treatment.

Dawn quoted the minister as saying “the allegations leveled against me by this journalist are wrong and baseless.”

The minister however, admitted that some of his supporters had exchanged harsh words with the journalist. A clash took place between the minister’s supporters and a group led by Betini.

Photos courtesy: Freedom Network

Dive Deeper

Why was this DawnNews TV journalist targeted in a foiled murder plot?

October 31, 2025: Police foiled a plot to kill DawnNewsTV journalist Tahir Naseer in Rawalpindi after arresting suspects hired for Rs200,000. Naseer says threats followed his reporting.

Police storm National Press Club, attack journalists and smash equipment

October 02, 2025: Islamabad Police stormed the National Press Club, attacking journalists covering a protest. PFUJ condemns police brutality and vows action to protect press freedom.

Maleeha Hashmey alleges state harassment, travel ban, and SIM blocking

September 26, 2025: Broadcast journalist Maleeha Hashmey alleges harassment in Pakistan, citing travel ban, frozen bank accounts, and SIM blocking amid growing concerns over press freedom.

Journalist Imdad Soomro faces pressure after exposing corruption in Sindh Public Service Commission

September 25, 2025: Journalist Imdad Soomro says he faces pressure after exposing corruption in the Sindh Public Service Commission, as the SHC halts recruitment over a fresh scandal.

Freezing Meher Bokhari’s account: What Pakistan’s clampdown on journalists really aims to achieve

September 18, 2025: Meher Bokhari’s frozen account exposes Pakistan’s deepening media clampdown. Why are journalists facing bans, no-fly lists, and financial blockades?

Journalist Shahbaz Rana indicted despite factual report, unions say

September 13, 2025: Journalist unions in Islamabad protest the trial of senior reporter Shahbaz Rana, calling it biased and a threat to press freedom in Pakistan.

Samina Pasha says bank account frozen after Cyber Crime Agency complaint

September 13, 2025: Pakistani journalist Samina Pasha says her bank account was frozen by NCCIA, calling it part of efforts to silence critical media voices.

Bogus case registered in ongoing harassment of journalist Furqan Rao

September 03, 2025: IFJ and PFUJ condemn APP’s case against journalist Furqan Rao, calling it a political vendetta. Unions demand withdrawal of the FIR and an end to harassment.

Newsroom

Myanmar journalist jailed 13 years over reporting ahead of elections

December 17, 2025 Myanmar freelance reporter Sut Ring Pan sentenced to 13 years for reporting on the military ahead of elections, highlighting press freedom challenges and journalist detentions

Yalda Hakim warns of a second deepfake video shared online

December 17, 2025 Journalist Yalda Hakim says a second AI deepfake video falsely portraying her reporting has circulated online, highlighting growing risks of misinformation targeting journalists in Pakistan.

Pakistan to launch BEEP secure messaging app for officials

December 17, 2025 Pakistan plans to launch the BEEP secure messaging app for government officials by June 2026, modeled on WeChat, with end-to-end encryption and oversight by NITB.

GTV News confers vice president title on Gharidah Farooqi

December 17, 2025 GTV News announces the ceremonial appointment of senior anchor Gharidah Farooqi as Vice President, citing her professionalism, credibility, and contributions to Pakistani television journalism.

Court reserves decision on Matiullah Jan narcotics charges

December 17, 2025 Islamabad court reserves decision on journalist Matiullah Jan’s request to drop narcotics charges, with defense citing lack of evidence and prosecutors opposing the plea.