JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 26, 2012
Join our WhatsApp channel
KARACHI: The media industry has expressed shock and alarm at a vicious attack by four armed men who opened fire on the Aaj TV office at Gurumandar in Karachi that left two people injured, including a security guard.
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Soon after the attack, a spokesman for the terrorist outfit said in a phone call to the news channel the attack was the direct result of Aaj not giving the TTP proper coverage.
The spokesman threatened more attacks on TV channels if the militant organization was ignored. The channel was the first targeted because the TTP claimed it had become a mouthpiece of the government.
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf condemned the attack and said every measure would be taken to provide protection to media. The prime minister also directed the police to arrest the men involved in the attack.
“It was horrible,” said an Aaj cameraman, “At about 8.45pm the gunmen, who were on motorbikes, opened fire. The sound was very loud and persistent.”
“Initially we thought it was out in the street, but quickly discovered that our office had been fired upon. It was shocking,” he added.
A young reporter, who had just entered the building, said: “This is terrible. The media has been targeted yet again. The government promises protection but never delivers.”
The Aaj employees say the attack came at a time when security in this sourthern port city was supposedly tight because of Prime Minister Raja Pervaz Ashraf’s presence there.
International media watchdogs say Pakistan remains one of the deadliest places for journalists. Already this year, six journalists have been killed.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.