JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 27, 2017 | JP Staff Reporter
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ISLAMABAD–Ahmed Noorani, a senior investigative journalist with The News, was attacked and seriously injured by unidentified men on Friday. According to reports, Noorani was chased by men on motorbikes from Rawalpindi as he headed to Islamabad. He was intercepted near Zero Point, where at least six men beat him up and also thrashed his driver. Noorani suffered head injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The attack on Noorani comes just over a month after another senior journalist, Matiullah Jan, was attacked by unknown assailants near Bara Kahu on the outskirts of Islamabad. These incidents underscore the growing dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan, raising serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of media professionals.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, but the targeting of high-profile journalists suggests an alarming trend of violence and intimidation aimed at silencing the press. Noorani, known for his investigative reporting, has exposed various issues of corruption and misconduct, making him a potential target for those seeking to suppress critical journalism.
The journalistic community and press freedom organizations have condemned the attacks and called for swift and thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice. The increasing threats and violence against journalists highlight the urgent need for measures to ensure their safety and protect the fundamental right to freedom of expression in Pakistan.
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