JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 03, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
ISLAMABAD – Journalist groups Saturday gathered in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to protest Friday’s attempted kidnapping of Geo Television’s senior correspondent Azaz Syed.
Afzal Butt, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and veteran journalist Nasir Zaidi led a protest at the Rawalpindi Press Club.
Syed Friday escaped a kidnapping attempt by unidentified men in a car and on a motorbike. He was intercepted on Park Road near Bani Gala Police Station. Sensing danger, he sped away towards Taramri Chowk and arrived at the Shahzad Town Police Station.
Zaidi termed the kidnapping attempt as an attack on the press.
“Azaz Syed does bold reporting and reports on terrorism, but some powers do not like such reporting. Journalists would not let any of their colleagues to be attacked. We stand united.”
He said democratic governments were no better than dictators.
“The democratic governments have shut down papers; they jailed journalists. Newspapers were shut down even in Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s era,” he said.
Zaidi said the journalists were going through tough times and it was a pity the government was acting as a silent spectator.
In his brief speech on the occasion, Azaz Syed said that journalists had faced such atatcks in the past also and they wouldn’t be deterred by such cowardly acts.
Sheikh Rasheed, leader of the Awami Muslim League said he had told Azaz Syed to be careful in his reporting many times.
In another protest outside the National Press Club, Islamabad, PFUJ Dastoor Group made it clear the journalists would not take such attacks on the press lying down. The protest was led by President Nawaz Raza.
He said they would not leave Azaz Syed alone in this difficult time. “Let this be clear to those who have committed this ugly act that journalist fraternity stands united.”
Journalists Umar Cheema, Mazhar Iqbal, Pervaiz Shaukat and Matiullah Jan made brief speeches as did Azaz Syed.
Syed said this case was not about an individual. “It is an attack on freedom of press.”
He said that this incident would in no way affect his reporting. “I have faced such things in the past and would remain undeterred in the future too.”
The protesters called for immediate arrest of those who attempted to kidnap Syed.
Image courtesy: Matiullah Jan
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.