Absar Alam survives gun attack in Islamabad

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 April 2021

Senior journalist Absar Alam survived a gun attack in Islamabad while walking near his home. He was shot in the ribs but is now in stable condition.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—Absar Alam, a senior journalist and former chairman of Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), survived a gun attack on Tuesday.

Alam was out walking near his home when the shooter fired a shot at him and escaped.

Passers-by rushed him to a nearby hospital where doctors termed his condition out of danger.

Alam is a vocal critic of the PTI government and the military.

In a video clip shared widely on social media, Alam said he was walking when he was fired at, the bullet hitting his ribs. “I am in high spirits and will remain so; this is my message to the attackers. I am not afraid of these things.”

Although not involved in active journalism since leaving PEMRA in December 2017, he has worked in print and electronic media for many years. He was a resident editor of The Nation at one time.

KEY POINTS:

• Absar Alam was attacked while walking near his home in Islamabad.
• The shooter escaped the scene after firing at Alam.
• Alam was hospitalized but is now reported to be out of danger.
• He is known for his critical views of the PTI government and military.
• Alam has a long history in journalism, previously serving as PEMRA chairman.