TV reporters made hostage at Taunsa Barrage toll plaza

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 5 December 2021

A contractor at Taunsa Barrage mistreated and held reporters hostage. The incident led to governmental intervention and the contractor's arrest.

Summary

MUZAFFARGARH —A local toll plaza contractor tortured and mistreated television reporters and camerapersons, heading to cover a provincial minister's visit.

The incident took place when journalists reached the Taunsa Barrage toll plaza. Reportedly, the toll plaza was set up by a local politician illegally.

Asif Shehzad and Taimoor Athar, the reporters, working with local TV channels, were thrashed and taken hostage by the contractor and his team at the barrage.

The district press club representatives called Kot Addu SDPO Saadat Hussain. He later ordered the registration of a case on the application of journalists and arrested the contractor.

KEY POINTS:

• Incident occurred at Taunsa Barrage toll plaza during a minister's visit.
• Reporters Asif Shehzad and Taimoor Athar were tortured by the contractor.
• District press club appealed to local police for action.
• Police registered a case and arrested the contractor.
• The toll plaza was reportedly established illegally by a local politician.