ISLAMABAD: Following PTI workers’ violent clash and misbehavior with Tayyab Baloch, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan assured the journalist that such misconduct won’t happen again.
Previously, a clash had erupted outside Adiala Jail when Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers attacked journalist Tayyab Baloch during a media talk held by the party founder’s sister, Aleema Khan.
During their interaction, Tayyab Baloch complained to PTI chairman Barrister Gohar that he didn’t misbehave with Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan saying there would have been a proof if had misbehaved with her.
Barrister Gohar held Tayyab Baloch’s hand and assured that such incidents would not happen again.
It is pertinent to mention here that reports indicated that PTI workers had scuffled with media representatives, resorting to verbal abuse and manhandling.
Witnesses recounted that the crowd was heard hurling abusive and offensive language, which created a hostile and intimidating environment for the press.
An FIR has been filed against Aleema Khan, Naeem Panchouta, and others under strict legal sections for their involvement in the attack on journalist Tayyab Baloch.
A case has been registered at Saddar Beroni Police Station, Rawalpindi, against Aleema Khan, Naeem Haider Panchouta, and several others over the assault on journalist Tayyab Baloch during Aleema Khan’s media talk outside Adiala Jail.
The case includes sections 506, 147, 149, 382, and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
According to the FIR, journalist Tayyab Baloch stated in his complaint that during Aleema Khan’s media talk, Naeem Panchouta shouted, “Teach him a lesson for questioning Aleema Khan about properties.”
Following this, Tanveer Aslam, Zafar, and Tuma held him down and threw him to the ground, while others began beating him.
The complaint further maintained that the attack was carried out as part of a premeditated plan. On Baloch’s complaint, police have registered the case and launched an investigation.
In the aftermath of the assault, journalists boycotted Aleema Khan’s media talk in protest against the conduct of PTI workers.
Despite the violence unfolding openly, the PTI leadership present at the scene had not intervened to restrain their workers.
PFUJ, National Press Club calls protest over assault on Journalist Tayyab Baloch
Meanwhile, PFUJ President Afzal Butt has called for a protest against the attack on senior journalist Tayyab Baloch by PTI workers outside Adiala Jail.
The National Press Club and RUIJ have announced a protest at 4:00 PM tomorrow in front of the National Press Club.
According to a press release issued by the National Press Club, if the PTI leadership does not issue an apology tomorrow, further protests will be held on Wednesday outside the Rawalpindi Press Club at Liaqat Bagh, followed by demonstrations in front of Adiala Jail and a nationwide protest.
Press Club of Pakistan UK condemns attack on Journalist Tayyab Baloch
The Press Club of Pakistan UK has strongly condemned the assault on journalist Tayyab Baloch and other media personnel.
In a statement, the club described the incident as not only an attack on press freedom but also a violation of democratic values and human rights.
It stressed that violence against journalists for asking questions is undemocratic and undermines freedom of expression.
The club called on the leadership of the political party involved to take the matter seriously, ensure respect and restraint toward journalists, and prevent such incidents in the future.
It also urged the Government of Pakistan and state institutions to conduct immediate and transparent investigations and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Press Club of Pakistan UK expressed solidarity with journalists across Pakistan and reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and the right to dissent at all levels.
Read more: PTI workers attack Azaad Digital’s journalist Tayyab Baloch outside Adiala jail
