Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud assaulted outside National Press Club

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 August 2021 |  JP Staff Report

Gohar Mehsud, a tribal journalist, was attacked outside the National Press Club in Islamabad while covering an event. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Tribal journalist Gohar Mehsud was followed and assaulted by an unknown individual on Friday.

Reportedly, the journalist was about to get out of his car while covering an event outside the National Press Club, Islamabad.

According to Ismail Mehsud, a former joint secretary of ANP Sindh, the journalist was tortured by gunmen in Islamabad.

However, Islamabad police claimed that the attacker had been arrested. “The attack on Gohar Mehsud is a reprehensible and cowardly act. The government has failed to protect journalists,” he said.

“Attack on journalist Gohar Mehsud in Islamabad is strongly condemned. Demand probe, arrest of culprits and bringing them to justice,” Farhatullah Babar, a former senator, tweeted.

Pictures posted on social media showed a shaken Mehsud bleeding in the head.

Many journalists and people from different walks of life have condemned the incident. “When our brothers are not safe in a city like Islamabad, how can our journalists working in remote areas be safe,” questioned a social media user.

Mehsud, in a tweet on Saturday, thanked his friends for their support. “Islamabad police immediately arrested the youngster who attacked me yesterday, and now his family is seeking an apology and withdrawal of FIR.”

Photo: Twitter (tribaljournlist)

KEY POINTS:

• Gohar Mehsud was assaulted by an unknown individual in Islamabad.
• The attacker has reportedly been arrested by the police.
• Many journalists and public figures have condemned the attack.
• Mehsud thanked supporters on social media after the incident.
• Concerns about journalist safety in Islamabad have been highlighted.