Violence against Ayaz Amir widely condemned

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 2 July 2022

Ayaz Amir, a prominent journalist, was attacked outside Dunya News TV, prompting widespread condemnation. Analysts and journalists across the spectrum voiced their outrage over this incident.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—The violence against respected journalist Ayaz Amir by unknown individuals outside the office of Dunya News TV has been widely condemned, with many journalists terming it a shameful and unacceptable event.

Arshad Sharif of ARY News wondered if the criminals were asked to attack the respected journalist. "Senior journalist #AyazAmir attacked in #Lahore. The pattern is clear. People with criminal backgrounds also ordered to register bogus FIRs against many journalists for questioning #RCO Were criminals tasked to attack Ayaz Amir after historic speech on #RegimeChangeOperation?"

Analyst Amir Zia opined it was a highly condemnable incident. "Attack on veteran journalist Mr. #AyazAmir is highly condemnable. Such acts show that the #ShehbazGovt & its sponsors are now in a state of panic. But they cannot stifle the voice of the people. I stand in complete solidarity with @OfficialAyazMir".

Rauf Klasra, another analyst, was shocked that the senior journalist was punched and insulted. "Shocked to know that widely respected columnist #AyazAmir is attacked. Beaten, insulted and punched. One of my all times favorite journalists of Pakistan whose bold writings inspired millions. One can never imagine such ugly things can happen to him too. Its a new low. Shameful."

Journalist Matiullah Jan asked the Punjab Police to arrest the culprits. "This is highly condemnable and a despicable act of cowardice. The Punjab govt must get hold of these people and take them to task under the law. #AyazAmir #IStandWithAyazAmir”

Sara Taseer, daughter of the late Salman Taseer, wondered about the fragile ego of the "neutrals." "Such a fragile ego by the not so neutrals. Attack on #AyazAmir is reprehensible."

PPP MNA Nafeesa Shah termed it a sad incident. "Strongly condemn attack on senior journalist #AyazAmir. Sadly journalists continue to be intimidated, attacked&hauled up with impunity. Such cowardly acts are counterproductive & will only strengthen voices of dissent."

Analyst Mazhar Abbas said the attack was unacceptable. "Veteran journalist Ayaz Aamir of Dunya TV was attacked by unknown persons as he came out from office. This is unacceptable."

Shaheen Sehbai, a former editor of The News, asked the Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of the incident. "Chief Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan must take immediate suo moto notice of attack on Ayaz Amir and order Punjab IGP to arrest culprits in two days else IG will be suspended. This is no joke."

Former Dawn Editor Abbas Nasir termed the incident an attack on free speech. "The attack on Ayaz Amir is reprehensible. For 20 years the people of the smaller 'fringe' provinces have faced, and continue to face, the brunt of an intolerant Fascist State. For the past 6-7 years the brutality has spread to the whole country. Free speech is being targeted."

However, some journalists tried to argue as if PTI workers were involved in the attack, saying Ayaz had also harshly criticized the former Prime Minister Imran Khan. However, for suggesting so, they were ruthlessly trolled.

Mubasher Lucman tweeted: "Ayaz Ameer has paid the price for publicly humiliating Imran Khan. This thing is now getting out of hand. Politics has seriously created many divisions in our society and homes."

Photo courtesy: Tavnveer Shahzad, White Star

KEY POINTS:

• Ayaz Amir attacked outside Dunya News office.
• Widespread condemnation from journalists and analysts.
• Calls for accountability from law enforcement.
• Concerns about journalists' safety in Pakistan.
• Debate on political implications of the attack.