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Journalist robbed during PTI protest coverage in Rawalpindi
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 25 March 2026 | JP Staff Report
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A journalist covering a PTI protest near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi said his car window was smashed with a brick and his bag, containing a laptop, passport and other documents, was stolen. Local authorities had not immediately confirmed the report.Summary
ISLAMABAD — A journalist covering a protest linked to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi reported that his car was vandalized and essential belongings stolen while he was on assignment.
Ziyad Ali Shah said in a post on X on March 24, 2026, that he had parked his car near the protest site and spent several hours reporting from the ground. When he returned, he found the vehicle’s window smashed with a brick, which he said was still inside the car, and his bag missing.
The stolen items included his laptop, passport, and other important documents, according to his account and accompanying photographs shared online.
Journalists face risks beyond protest lines
The incident highlights the broader risks journalists face not only while actively reporting in volatile environments but also in securing their equipment and personal belongings during field coverage. Protests around Adiala Jail have drawn heightened political attention in recent months, increasing pressure on reporters covering developments on the ground.
While there was no immediate official statement from local authorities confirming the incident, the details shared by the journalist have circulated widely among media professionals on social media.
Today while covering PTI’s protest at Adyala, I parked my car nearby and spent hours reporting from the ground. Upon returning, I found my car window smashed with a brick (which is still in my car) and my bag stolen (containing my laptop, Passport other important documents ).… pic.twitter.com/gKFeBXIARp
— Ziyad Ali Shah (@iamziyadalishah) March 24, 2026
PFUJ calls for action and protection
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemned the incident, with its president calling on the Rawalpindi administration to take immediate action.
In a statement posted on X on March 24, 2026, the PFUJ demanded that a First Information Report (FIR) be registered promptly, those responsible be arrested, and concrete measures be taken to ensure the safety of journalists covering events around Adiala Jail.
The union emphasized the need for authorities to provide secure conditions for reporters, particularly during politically sensitive gatherings that often draw large crowds and heightened tensions.
WHY THIS MATTERS: This incident underscores the persistent safety challenges Pakistani journalists face while covering political protests, including risks to both personal security and professional equipment. It also highlights the need for stronger coordination between media organizations and local authorities to safeguard journalists working in high-risk environments.
ATTRIBUTION: Information cited from publicly available statements by journalist Ziyad Ali Shah and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists issued on March 24, 2026.
PHOTO: Ziyad Ali Shah’s X account.
Key Points
- Journalist reported parking near the PTI protest site at Adiala Jail while on assignment.
- He found the car window smashed with a brick left inside the vehicle.
- His bag was stolen; reported items taken included a laptop, passport and other documents.
- The incident underscores risks to reporters and the need to secure equipment during field coverage.
- No immediate official confirmation from local authorities was reported.
Key Questions & Answers
Was the journalist physically harmed in the incident?
The journalist did not report any physical injuries in his account; his report focused on property theft and vandalism.
Were the stolen items identified?
The journalist said the stolen items included a laptop, passport and other important documents, and shared photographs online.
Did local authorities respond or confirm the incident?
There was no immediate official statement from local authorities confirming the incident, according to the report.
What precautions can reporters take when covering protests?
Reporters are advised to secure valuables out of sight, use lockable storage or leave critical items with trusted contacts; maintaining situational awareness is also important.
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