PTI supporters abuse and harass journalists

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 3 years ago | JP Staff Report

KARACHI—Several journalists, including women reporters, were harassed by PTI supporters during Imran Khan's rally Saturday at Bagh-e-Jinnah.

Zam Zam Saeed, a female reporter with Samaa TV, uploaded footage of the incident on her Twitter account. According to her, PTI workers abused the TV crew and used sticks and stones. Other journalists, including three women journalists, were also abused and harassed during the rally.

Rizwan Bhatti, an official of the Karachi Press Club, confirmed the mishandling of Samaa reporter and condemned the incident.

Adia Naz, belonging to 24 News, was also harassed. She slapped the boy harassing her on the spot. Cameraman Rameez helped her get back to her car.

Earlier, PTI workers taunted and harassed Chand Nawab, an ARY TV journalist. He ended up with a torn shirt.

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

Vietnam expands state secrecy law, weakens journalist source protection

December 10, 2025 Vietnam’s parliament has expanded state secrecy laws, allowing police to compel journalists to reveal sources and broadening secrecy rules, raising serious press freedom concerns.

Journalist deaths rise sharply in 2025, Gaza leads toll

December 09, 2025 The 2025 report from Reporters Without Borders records 67 journalists killed worldwide, nearly half in Gaza, highlighting escalating risks for reporters in war zones, crime-ridden regions, and authoritarian states.

Online abuse of women journalists hits new global high

December 09, 2025 A new UN Women report finds 70 percent of women journalists and activists worldwide face online violence, with 42 percent reporting offline harm linked to digital attacks, raising serious press freedom concerns.

Brighton Football Club bars Guardian in access dispute

December 09, 2025 Brighton’s ban on Guardian journalists after critical reporting raises press freedom concerns and highlights growing tensions between sports institutions and independent news outlets in the UK.

Pakistan Railways details journalist and senior citizen concessions

December 09, 2025 Pakistan Railways briefed lawmakers on fare concessions for journalists, their families, and senior citizens, outlining costs and usage across the past five years.