Journalist critically injured in Abbottabad gun attack

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 October 2013 |  JP Staff Reporter

Sardar Shafiq was critically injured in a gun attack while heading home from work. The incident has raised serious concerns about journalist safety in the region.

Summary

ABBOTTABAD: Sardar Shafiq, former secretary of the Abbottabad Union of Journalists, was reported to be in critical condition after being attacked by unidentified gunmen on Thursday. The attack occurred as he was heading home from work. Shafiq was immediately rushed to a local hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

Journalist unions have condemned the incident, with the Peshawar Press Club and the Khyber Union of Journalists staging a protest in Peshawar on Friday. The protesters threatened to launch province-wide demonstrations if the government failed to provide adequate protection to journalists.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shah Farman and Secretary Information Azmat Hanif Orakzai also denounced the attack, terming it a brutal act. They emphasized the need for increased security measures to protect media personnel who often work under dangerous conditions.

The incident has sparked a renewed call for journalist safety, with media organizations urging the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

KEY POINTS:

• Sardar Shafiq attacked by unidentified gunmen in Abbottabad.
• He is in critical condition and receiving medical treatment.
• Protests by journalist unions in Peshawar against the attack.
• Officials call for increased security for media personnel.
• Authorities urged to investigate and ensure journalist safety.