Web desk: Journalist Tayyab Baloch gave an exclusive interview to Azaad Digital, revealing that his pictures were taken before an attack on him and that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers had been explicitly instructed to “take revenge.”
Baloch emphasised the difference between professional journalists and those earning through platforms like YouTube. “Making money online is easy, but real investigative journalism is difficult. A journalist’s duty is to uncover information that others want to hide,” he said.
He noted that several journalists, including Ahmad Noorani, have previously reported on Aleema Khan’s overseas properties, and he could not betray his profession, so he fulfilled his responsibility.
He further revealed that he had prior knowledge of the attack, adding that his only “crime” was asking Aleema Khan about her properties in the United States, purchased using Shaukat Khanum Foundation funds. He also informed the accused about the allegations and gave them a chance to respond.
Baloch described how, before a press conference, a man photographed him outside Adiala Jail, and the image was later shared on social media along with inflammatory messages.
“When I was being attacked, I looked longingly at Aleema Khan, hoping she would stop them, but she did nothing. This clearly shows that she is responsible for the incident,” said Tayyab Baloch.
Tayyab Baloch alleges that his attackers included Aleema Khan’s Bodyguard, Azfar Tami and PTI MPA Tanveer Aslam.
He reported the incident to his organisation and the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), warning them about threats from PTI workers, hoping the authorities would caution their members.
However, Naeem Panjutha, who was seen supporting Aleema Khan, reportedly called him “dishonourable.” Baloch also mentioned that he had previously tweeted about Naeem Panjutha’s possible involvement when Aleema Khan was attacked with eggs.
He concluded by stating that the attack on him that day was premeditated, underscoring concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists reporting on sensitive issues.
Read more: FIR registered against Aleema Khan, Naeem Panchota over attack on Journalist Tayyab Baloch
