Freedom Network condemns attack on Nawa-i-Waqt reporter

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 4 August 2022

Ajmal Shahzad, a reporter for Nawa-i-Waqt, was attacked in Rawalpindi, prompting Freedom Network to demand accountability. The organization highlighted the increasing risks for journalists in Pakistan.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Freedom Network has condemned the assault on press reporter Ajmal Shahzad in Rawalpindi and demanded swift action against the culprits.

According to Freedom Network, "Nawai-Waqt newspaper reporter Ajmal Shahzad was injured in attack in Rawalpindi's cantonment area allegedly by builders."

"#FreedomNetwork condemns the attack and demand swift action against perpetrators of crime," it tweeted with a hashtag #JournalismIsNotACrime.

Freedom Network, in a report issued on World Press Freedom Day this year, reveals no place in the four Pakistani provinces, capital Islamabad or even Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir is safe. Attacks against journalists are taking place everywhere.

Overall, Islamabad emerged as the riskiest place to practice journalism in the country, with 37 percent of the violations (32 out of 86 cases) recorded in the federal capital.

Rawalpindi is adjacent to Islamabad, and the two are jointly known as the "twin cities" because of strong socio-economic ties.

KEY POINTS:

• Ajmal Shahzad was injured in an attack in Rawalpindi.
• Freedom Network demands quick action against the attackers.
• Islamabad is reported as the riskiest place for journalism in Pakistan.
• Attacks on journalists are common across the country.
• Freedom Network emphasizes the lack of safety for journalists.