Journalist Tayyab Baloch assaulted outside Adiala Jail during Aleema Khan's media talk

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD — A heated scene unfolded outside Adiala Jail when journalist Tayyab Baloch was allegedly pushed, shoved, and even slapped by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters after attempting to disrupt a media talk by Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to multiple video clips circulating on social media, the incident occurred as Aleema Khan began speaking to reporters. In one clip, PTI lawyer Naeem Haider Panjotha can be heard telling the journalist, “Tayyab, do not talk,” urging him not to interrupt the media briefing.

Despite the warning, Baloch continued to press forward, leading to a scuffle in which several individuals grabbed and pulled him down to the ground. One man was even caught on camera slapping the journalist in the midst of the chaos.

The footage quickly sparked outrage among media circles. Journalist Umar Cheema condemned the act on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “PTI is an extremist party; it has no connection with politics. Whether they are in power or in waiting, they respond to their critics with verbal abuse and violence.”

Another journalist, Hassan Ayub Khan, echoed the criticism, stating: “By committing violence against Tayyab Baloch, it has been proven once again that the Tehreek-e-Insaf is not a political party but a gang of anarchists.”

Observers have suggested the confrontation may be part of a broader strategy to disrupt and discredit Aleema Khan during her press interactions. Just a day earlier, two women threw an egg at Aleema while she addressed the media. Eyewitnesses claimed the women were later escorted away in a white SUV, allegedly with police assistance.

Those familiar with the matter also noted that Tayyab Baloch has previously disrupted Aleema Khan’s press talks and has often complained about harassment from PTI trolls online.

In response to the latest incident, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) convened an emergency meeting at the National Press Club in Islamabad to determine its course of action. 

Photo caption: Journalist Tayyab Baloch (in light blue shirt), shortly before being assaulted outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on Monday.