PTI supporters abuse and harass journalists

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

KARACHI—Several journalists, including women reporters, were harassed by PTI supporters during Imran Khan's rally Saturday at Bagh-e-Jinnah.

Zam Zam Saeed, a female reporter with Samaa TV, uploaded footage of the incident on her Twitter account. According to her, PTI workers abused the TV crew and used sticks and stones. Other journalists, including three women journalists, were also abused and harassed during the rally.

Rizwan Bhatti, an official of the Karachi Press Club, confirmed the mishandling of Samaa reporter and condemned the incident.

Adia Naz, belonging to 24 News, was also harassed. She slapped the boy harassing her on the spot. Cameraman Rameez helped her get back to her car.

Earlier, PTI workers taunted and harassed Chand Nawab, an ARY TV journalist. He ended up with a torn shirt.

Dive Deeper

Why was this DawnNews TV journalist targeted in a foiled murder plot?

October 31, 2025: Police foiled a plot to kill DawnNewsTV journalist Tahir Naseer in Rawalpindi after arresting suspects hired for Rs200,000. Naseer says threats followed his reporting.

Police storm National Press Club, attack journalists and smash equipment

October 02, 2025: Islamabad Police stormed the National Press Club, attacking journalists covering a protest. PFUJ condemns police brutality and vows action to protect press freedom.

Maleeha Hashmey alleges state harassment, travel ban, and SIM blocking

September 26, 2025: Broadcast journalist Maleeha Hashmey alleges harassment in Pakistan, citing travel ban, frozen bank accounts, and SIM blocking amid growing concerns over press freedom.

Journalist Imdad Soomro faces pressure after exposing corruption in Sindh Public Service Commission

September 25, 2025: Journalist Imdad Soomro says he faces pressure after exposing corruption in the Sindh Public Service Commission, as the SHC halts recruitment over a fresh scandal.

Freezing Meher Bokhari’s account: What Pakistan’s clampdown on journalists really aims to achieve

September 18, 2025: Meher Bokhari’s frozen account exposes Pakistan’s deepening media clampdown. Why are journalists facing bans, no-fly lists, and financial blockades?

Journalist Shahbaz Rana indicted despite factual report, unions say

September 13, 2025: Journalist unions in Islamabad protest the trial of senior reporter Shahbaz Rana, calling it biased and a threat to press freedom in Pakistan.

Samina Pasha says bank account frozen after Cyber Crime Agency complaint

September 13, 2025: Pakistani journalist Samina Pasha says her bank account was frozen by NCCIA, calling it part of efforts to silence critical media voices.

Bogus case registered in ongoing harassment of journalist Furqan Rao

September 03, 2025: IFJ and PFUJ condemn APP’s case against journalist Furqan Rao, calling it a political vendetta. Unions demand withdrawal of the FIR and an end to harassment.

Newsroom

EESC urges stronger labor protections for journalists

December 16, 2025 The EESC calls for stronger labor rights, job security, and protections against digital threats for journalists, linking media sustainability with press freedom across Europe.

Trump sues BBC for $10 billion over edited January 6 speech

December 16, 2025 President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, alleging it deceptively edited his January 6 speech to imply he incited violence, filed in Miami federal court.

Board resignations hit Australia’s top journalism awards body

December 16, 2025 Governance tensions at Australia’s Walkley Foundation trigger board resignations, raising questions about oversight, sponsorship rules, and the future credibility of top journalism awards.

Hong Kong conviction of Jimmy Lai draws global criticism

December 15, 2025 Hong Kong’s conviction of Jimmy Lai under the national security law sparks global condemnation from governments and rights groups, intensifying debate over press freedom and judicial independence.

UNESCO report shows global decline in press freedom and safety

December 15, 2025 UNESCO report shows global press freedom and journalist safety declining as self-censorship rises and media economics falter, posing growing risks to independent journalism.