Journalists Under Attack

Journalists Under Attack highlights incidents of violence, threats, and intimidation against journalists, news organizations, and press clubs in Pakistan since 2012. This section sheds light on the risks media professionals face, their resilience, and the broader impact on press freedom. Viewer discretion is advised, as some images may be graphic.

Haji Pajir Gul: I will quit journalism only when I die

Haji Pajir Gul: I will quit journalism only when I die

 Published 7 years ago:  Haji Pajir Gul, a dedicated journalist from North Waziristan, faced life-threatening hazards, including grenade and rocket attacks. Forced to flee during a military operation, he now struggles in Peshawar but remains passionate about journalism. Discover his resilient story and call for better support for journalists in conflict zones.

Abu Zar Afridi: Threats, kidnapping bid, and bombing, he faced all

Abu Zar Afridi: Threats, kidnapping bid, and bombing, he faced all

 Published 7 years ago:  Journalist Abu Zar Afridi faced threats, survived a kidnapping attempt, and was injured in a bomb blast while reporting from Khyber Agency (FATA). Forced to flee to Peshawar, Afridi continues to face economic and safety challenges. His story underscores the urgent need for better support and safety measures for journalists in conflict zones.

Taliban to Adnan Bhitani: 'Keep your coffin and grave ready'

Taliban to Adnan Bhitani: 'Keep your coffin and grave ready'

 Published 7 years ago:  Freelance journalist Adnan Bhitani faced severe threats from the Taliban for his reporting in Frontier Region Tank. Forced to move to Islamabad and constantly change locations, Bhitani's story highlights the perils journalists face in militant-infested regions. Learn about his struggles and the lack of governmental support.

It is a miracle I am still alive: Anwar Shakir

It is a miracle I am still alive: Anwar Shakir

 Published 7 years ago:  Anwar Shakir, a journalist from South Waziristan, faced severe threats, and kidnappings, and was shot in the chest due to his reporting. Now living in Islamabad, he struggles with financial and health issues while receiving little support from journalist unions. His story highlights the urgent need for better safety and welfare measures for journalists in conflict zones.

Journalist Taha Siddiqui beaten up by armed men, escapes abduction bid

Journalist Taha Siddiqui beaten up by armed men, escapes abduction bid

 Published 7 years ago:  Journalist Taha Siddiqui, known for his critical stance on Pakistan's military, narrowly escaped an attempted kidnapping by armed men en route to Islamabad airport. This incident highlights the ongoing threats faced by journalists and social media activists in Pakistan. Rights groups condemn these actions as attempts to silence dissenting voices.

Drunken cops beat up media workers in Sukkur

Drunken cops beat up media workers in Sukkur

 Published 7 years ago:  Journalists in Sukkur stage a sit-in protest following the assault of several colleagues by allegedly drunken police officials. The incident involved Geo News cameraman Usama Talat, Waqt News's Qazafi Shah, photojournalist Salman Ansari, and others.

Channel 24 journalist among 37 injured in terrorist attack in Peshawar

Channel 24 journalist among 37 injured in terrorist attack in Peshawar

 Published 7 years ago:  A terrorist attack on a hostel at Peshawar's Agricultural University Directorate resulted in nine fatalities and 37 injuries. Channel 24 reporter Rehm Yousafzai was among the injured, suffering a bullet wound to the leg. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack.

Number of press clubs shut down in Balochistan rises to 12

Number of press clubs shut down in Balochistan rises to 12

 Published 8 years ago:  The Chaghi, Shaheed Sikandarabad Surab, and Mir Ahmad Yar Khan Kalat Press Clubs in Balochistan cease operations, bringing the total closures to 12 amid escalating militant threats. Recent attacks include grenades at Hub Press Club, assaults on newspaper distribution, and burning of newspapers.

Another five press clubs forced to cease activities in Balochistan

Another five press clubs forced to cease activities in Balochistan

 Published 8 years ago:  The press freedom situation in Balochistan worsens as five more press clubs—Sarawan, Hub, Wandar, Uthal, and Bela—shut down due to militant threats. These closures follow attacks and threats from militant groups, with no security provided by local authorities.

Four press clubs in Balochistan closed down after threats from militants

Four press clubs in Balochistan closed down after threats from militants

 Published 8 years ago:  Militant threats have led to the closure of four press clubs in Balochistan, including Gwadar, Panjgur, Kharan, and Dalbadin. The closures highlight the severe risks faced by media in the region. Following threats from the Baloch Liberation Front, which warned of armed action against the media, a grenade attack was reported at Hub Press Club.

Armed men beat up Daily Qudrat employee in Quetta, newspapers burnt

Armed men beat up Daily Qudrat employee in Quetta, newspapers burnt

 Published 8 years ago:  Unidentified armed men beat up an employee of Daily Qudrat and burnt the newspapers he was carrying in Suraj Ganj Bazaar, Quetta. This incident follows a series of threats from militant groups in Balochistan targeting media personnel.

Journalist Ahmed Noorani attacked in Islamabad, suffers injuries

Journalist Ahmed Noorani attacked in Islamabad, suffers injuries

 Published 8 years ago:  Senior investigative journalist Ahmed Noorani of The News was attacked and seriously injured by unidentified men in Islamabad. This assault follows a similar attack on journalist Matiullah Jan, highlighting the ongoing threats to press freedom and journalist safety in Pakistan.

Gunmen intercept newspaper-carrying van in Awaran, burn cargo

Gunmen intercept newspaper-carrying van in Awaran, burn cargo

 Published 8 years ago:  Unidentified gunmen attacked a minivan carrying newspapers in Awaran, Balochistan, burning the cargo and threatening the driver. This incident highlights the escalating threats and violence against media professionals in the province.

Newspaper distribution agency attacked in Turbat, several injured

Newspaper distribution agency attacked in Turbat, several injured

 Published 8 years ago:  Unknown assailants attacked a newspaper distribution outlet in Turbat with a grenade, injuring several people, including a police constable and a child. This incident highlights the increasing threats and violence against media professionals in Balochistan.

Grenade attack on Hub Press Club

Grenade attack on Hub Press Club

 Published 8 years ago:  The Hub Press Club in Balochistan was attacked with a hand grenade by the Baloch Liberation Front. No injuries or property damage occurred. Journalists in the province face escalating threats and violence from militant groups.

Newspaper distribution in Balochistan begins to suffer after threats from armed groups

Newspaper distribution in Balochistan begins to suffer after threats from armed groups

 Published 8 years ago:  Newspaper distribution in Balochistan was disrupted following threats from the banned United Baloch Army. The group warned against journalists and media operations, affecting distribution from Quetta and Karachi. The Balochistan Union of Journalists has called for action in response to these threats.

Kohlu Press Club shut down in protest over undue violence by police

Kohlu Press Club shut down in protest over undue violence by police

 Published 8 years ago:  Journalists in Kohlu district, Balochistan, have shut down the local press club in protest over ongoing harassment and violence by police. The decision follows recent arrests and equipment seizures by police. The Balochistan Union of Journalists has condemned the actions and demanded accountability.

Islamabad Police register FIR against Arshad Sharif

Islamabad Police register FIR against Arshad Sharif

 Published 8 years ago:  Islamabad Police have registered an FIR against anchor Arshad Sharif following his revelation of an alleged Intelligence Bureau document linking 37 parliamentarians to militant organizations. The document's authenticity is contested by the IB. Sharif defends his source and the journalistic responsibility of his revelations.

Three journalists beaten up by security guards at Judicial Complex

Three journalists beaten up by security guards at Judicial Complex

 Published 8 years ago:  Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expresses concern over the thrashing of three television journalists by security guards at the Judicial Complex. He assures action and directs the State Minister of Interior to prevent such incidents in the future.

TV crews threatened, harassed and beaten up by PML-N supporters

TV crews threatened, harassed and beaten up by PML-N supporters

 Published 8 years ago:  Television crews, including those from ARY and BOL, covering Nawaz Sharif's rally were harassed, threatened, and beaten by PML-N supporters. Incidents involved attempts to snatch cell phones and attacks on news vans. Opposition politicians condemn these attacks as assaults on press freedom.

Social media activist arrested in Hunza

Social media activist arrested in Hunza

 Published 8 years ago:  Hasnain Ramal, a social media activist, was detained by police in Hunza under the Anti-Terrorism Act and Cyber Crime Act 2016 for his posts highlighting public issues. A joint investigation team is questioning him.

Kharan Press Club shut down after threats from armed group

Kharan Press Club shut down after threats from armed group

 Published 8 years ago:  The Kharan Press Club in Balochistan is indefinitely shut down due to threats from an armed Baloch group. The decision comes at a meeting chaired by President Safar Khan Raskoi and highlights concerns over journalist safety.

Channel 24 journalist Saba Bajeer harassed, mistreated by FIA officials

Channel 24 journalist Saba Bajeer harassed, mistreated by FIA officials

 Published 8 years ago:  Channel 24 reporter Saba Bajeer was harassed, mistreated, and threatened by FIA officials and the family of SECP Chairman Zafar Hijazi at PIMS. Colleagues and other journalists later protested, demanding legal action against the FIA.

The Nation journalist picked up by men in plain clothes in Karachi: Freedom Network

The Nation journalist picked up by men in plain clothes in Karachi: Freedom Network

 Published 8 years ago:  Abdullah Zafar, a reporter with The Nation in Karachi, is picked up by individuals in plain clothes from his home. The Freedom Network demands his safe return. This incident follows the June detention of journalist Zafar Achakzai in Quetta by men in plainclothes and Frontier Corps uniforms for social media posts against security forces.

Journalist beaten up by alleged drug dealers in Badin

Journalist beaten up by alleged drug dealers in Badin

 Published 8 years ago:  Senior journalist Raja Shakeel Ahmed Ghanchi was attacked by alleged drug peddlers in Badin for reporting on their illegal activities. The assailants, including notorious peddler Achar Mallah, beat the journalist at his home and threatened further violence.

University guards beat up Samaa crew, damage news gathering van in Faisalabad

University guards beat up Samaa crew, damage news gathering van in Faisalabad

 Published 8 years ago:  A Samaa Television crew was beaten and their news gathering van damaged by security guards at the University of Agriculture. The attack, involving around ten guards, occurred while the crew was covering a student issue. Police arrived an hour late and did not intervene.

Journalist beaten up by political leader's guards

Journalist beaten up by political leader's guards

 Published 8 years ago:  A journalist from The Express Tribune, Zubair Ashraf, was beaten by security guards of a Pakistan Muslim League-Functional leader for objecting to rash driving in Karachi. The incident occurred on Korangi Road, resulting in injuries to Ashraf.

Express Tribune reporter Rana Tanveer escapes being run over by car, fractures leg

Express Tribune reporter Rana Tanveer escapes being run over by car, fractures leg

 Published 8 years ago:  Social activist Jibran Nasir reports that journalist Rana Tanveer, known for covering religious minorities, had his leg fractured by a car that attempted to run him over. Tanveer's home was vandalized with a death threat, and the police have shown little interest in addressing the threats.