Rawalpindi: Political and journalist circles strongly condemned the attack on BOL News reporter Tayyab Baloch by PTI workers.
Statement by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari:
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took a firm stance on the incident, saying violence over differences of opinion is unacceptable. He added that PPP fully believes in freedom of the press, and he will also raise this issue in Islamabad.Statement by Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar:
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar stated that when there are no arguments, people often resort to violence, which reveals intolerance. He announced strict action against those involved and assured that the government would stand with journalists in this case as well.MQM Pakistan’s Position:
MQM leader Amin ul Haq also condemned the attack, calling it an unethical act. He said asking questions is the legal and democratic right of every journalist and that parties involved in such incidents should be boycotted. He urged all journalist organizations to hold strong protests against the incident.Punjab Government’s Response:
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari blamed PTI workers for the violence. She said repeated questions about properties led to threats, and finally, a planned attack took place.She alleged that first, pictures were shared on social media to provoke violence, and later, the attack happened in the presence of Naeem Panjotha.
Reaction of Journalist Organizations:
President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, said stopping a journalist from working or attacking them is unacceptable.He said that asking questions is the job of journalists, while politicians have the right to answer or remain silent; however, no one has the right to attack a journalist.
Afzal Butt accused PTI’s social media network of endangering the journalist’s life.
He announced that an emergency meeting has been called at the Press Club at 6 pm today to decide the future course of action.
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