Is Tayyab Baloch a victim or provoker? The Adiala Jail incident sparks fierce debate
JournalismPakistan.com | Published 3 months ago | JP Staff Report
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ISLAMABAD — The manhandling of journalist Tayyab Baloch outside Adiala Jail continues to provoke strong reactions across Pakistan. The incident has divided opinion, with some demanding apologies from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), while others question Baloch’s journalistic credentials and intentions during Aleema Khanum’s press conference.
Tayyab Baloch, president of the Supreme Court Reporters Association, has openly criticized PTI, Imran Khan, and his sister. During the press talk, he confronted Aleema, prompting anger among PTI supporters. Some reports suggest the individual who slapped Baloch may also have been a journalist.
Journalist Agha Shiekh Sarwar described the event as orchestrated, sharing a video of his attempt to protect Baloch from PTI workers. Former PTI Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry labeled Baloch a “tout,” while journalists Abbas Shabbir and Imtiaz Gul criticized him for harassment and questioned his credibility. Gul tweeted: “This isn’t journalism—it’s blatant harassment… Those who use clips only to hurl insults aren’t journalists—they’re spoilers acting on someone else’s agenda."
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar condemned the incident, promising that the law will take its course. Hasan Ayub and Nadeem Afzal Chan called for accountability and apologies, while Mubasher Zaidi suggested boycotting PTI press talks until corrective action is taken. The Press Association of the Supreme Court expressed solidarity with the journalist affected by violence.
However, some critics questioned why the incident is receiving extensive attention amidst Punjab’s worst flooding in three decades. Old videos of Baloch also resurfaced, fueling debate over journalistic bias and employment preferences in media channels aligned with political parties.
Photo caption: Tayyab Baloch (light blue shirt) is attacked by the crowd after attempting to disrupt Aleema Khan's press talk on Monday.
