CPJ condemns attack on ARY News office, calls for prompt investigation

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 9 years ago

NEW YORK - The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned a grenade attack on the Islamabad offices of ARY News. A video editor, Umar Hayat, was wounded in the attack, and windows at the front of the building were damaged when two men on motorcycles threw a grenade at the offices, Ammad Yousaf, senior vice president of the privately owned station, told CPJ.

"We call on Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into the attack on ARY News and to hold those responsible to account," said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Bob Dietz. "This brazen act in Pakistan's capital against a major media house underscores the dangers everywhere in the country for journalists, from small towns to Islamabad. Authorities' failure to address the entrenched impunity in anti-press violence enables attack after attack."

The militant group Islamic State Wilayah Khurasan, which claims allegiance to Islamic State, claimed responsibility for the attack in pamphlets thrown outside the office, according to reports. Copies of the pamphlets, written in English and Urdu and shared with CPJ, warned the broadcaster about its coverage of the Pakistani military offensive against militants in the North Waziristan tribal region, and accused it of covering up "destruction and massacres" allegedly by the army. Police said they are investigating. Attacks of this nature in the capital, Islamabad, are less common compared to many other Pakistani cities, CPJ research shows. - CPJ

Image courtesy: ARY News

 

 

Don't Miss These

Russia slams Pakistan’s Frontier Post for ‘Western bias’; newspaper hits back

 November 07, 2025: Russia accuses Pakistan’s Frontier Post of anti-Russia bias; the paper defends press freedom and independence. A diplomatic clash over media narratives.

Javed Chaudhry signs off from Express News after 18 years on ‘Kal Tak’

 November 07, 2025: Veteran journalist Javed Chaudhry bids farewell to Express News after 18 years on Kal Tak, marking the end of an era in Pakistani television journalism.

Why only Nukta, Mr. Minister? Media workers question government's selective support

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar’s job offer to Nukta staff draws criticism as hundreds of journalists across Pakistan face layoffs, salary delays, and job insecurity.

Information Minister Tarar announces jobs for all 37 laid-off Nukta employees

 November 06, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announces jobs for 37 laid-off Nukta employees, saying they will be placed at digital platforms within 48 hours amid growing media uncertainty.

Faisal Chaudhry’s viral one-liner on G for Gharidah steals the show

 November 05, 2025: PTI’s Faisal Chaudhry’s witty reply to Gharidah Farooqi on GTV’s “G for Gharidah” goes viral as a clip from their debate over the 27th Amendment sparks reactions online.

A digital dream falters: Nukta cuts 37 jobs in Pakistan after only one year

 November 05, 2025: Digital platform Nukta lays off 37 employees in Pakistan, including journalists and producers, highlighting the financial struggles facing new media ventures in a shrinking job market.

Talat Hussain says offensive viral clip was edited out, not aired on Samaa TV

 November 04, 2025: Talat Hussain denies airing the viral clip showing Sher Afzal Marwat’s vulgar remark, saying it was not part of his Samaa TV show.

PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007 emergency as Pakistan’s darkest day

 November 03, 2025: PFUJ recalls November 3, 2007, as Pakistan’s darkest day under Musharraf, urging protection for journalists and the abolition of laws threatening press freedom.