Details have emerged of an incident involving an Azaad Digital reporter who visited Madrassa Maarif-e-Sharia, associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, to report on building regulation violations and encroachments.
In a video statement, the journalist said madrassa students misbehaved with him, attempted to snatch his mobile phone and set dogs on him as he was leaving.
According to the Azaad Digital correspondent, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had issued a notice to Madrassa Maarif-e-Sharia over violations of building regulations. He visited the premises to verify details of the notice and seek the administration’s position on the matter.
The journalist said that upon reaching the madrassa, students repeatedly questioned him about the organisation he represented. He alleged that they behaved rudely, harassed him and demanded that he hand over his mobile phone.
The Azaad Digital reporter claimed that when he attempted to leave, two to three dogs were set after him, forcing him to run away for his safety.
He said he crossed two to three streets after leaving the madrassa before reaching a safe location, where he recorded a video message describing the incident.
The journalist maintained that he had visited the premises solely to prepare a report on a matter of public interest and seek answers from the relevant people. However, he alleged that instead of responding to his questions, he was harassed.
The Azaad Digital correspondent questioned whether asking about building regulation violations and an official notice amounted to a crime, and whether journalists should face such treatment while performing their professional duties.
He also questioned the conduct of the madrassa students, asking why a person visiting an institution dedicated to religious education was treated in such a manner while carrying out journalistic work.
The reporter said he had been seeking facts about the CDA notice issued to the madrassa but had to leave the premises for his own safety without obtaining answers to his questions.
The incident has raised concerns about journalists’ safety, freedom of reporting and the right to question matters of public interest.
