PUJ demands action against cops who attacked journalists

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 10 May 2019

The Punjab Union of Journalists is urging immediate action against police who attacked journalists in Islamabad. Threats of nationwide protests have been made if no action is taken.
Summary

LAHORE – The Punjab Union of Journalists has warned of countrywide protests if action was not take against police personnel who attacked journalists in Islamabad.

In a meeting, PUJ President Ziaullah Niazi called for action against policemen who attacked President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) Pervaiz Shaukat, and Shakeel Qarar, President of National Press Club, Islamabad.

Islamabad Police on Thursday barged into the government apartments in use by at least three journalists, threw their furniture and belongings out, and briefly detained Shahid Maitla, a correspondent for BOL News.

During this action, the police also misbehaved and manhandled the union leaders present at the scene.

Niazi warned that if no action was taken within 24 hours, they would also protest outside the national and provincial assemblies.

He lamented that there were some black sheep within the journalist community who needed to be exposed.

During the meeting, Secretary-General Federal Union of Journalists Raja Riaz said the attack on Pervaiz Shaukat and Shakeel Qarar was an attack on the entire community.

He called on Firdaus Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Information and Broadcasting, to take notice of the incident and ensure that those who acted irresponsibly are punished.

Photo courtesy: Shakeel Qarar (Facebook)

KEY POINTS:

PUJ demands accountability for police violence against journalists.
Ziaullah Niazi warns of protests if action is not taken within 24 hours.
Attack involved the manhandling of media union leaders at journalist apartments.
Incident highlights ongoing issues with police and media relations in Pakistan.
Calls for intervention from the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.