Several journalists were reportedly illegally detained and abused while covering local government by-elections held on April 21 in the Gujrat district of Punjab state. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have complained to local authorities that they are being illegally detained and subjected to ill-treatment. Conduct thorough investigations and ensure that journalists can do their work without fear of harassment or interference.
On April 21, journalists covering a by-election in the northern city of Gujrat in Punjab state were illegally detained by both police and plainclothes individuals, who allegedly assaulted members of the media and damaged equipment. It was reported.
Those affected included reporter Bilal Sikander and cameraman Mushtaq Danyal of 92 News, cameraman Raees Dilawar of GNN News and several other local media professionals. The journalists were detained for several hours.
Mr Sikander claims the group was taken to a police station where he and his colleagues were threatened with serious harm to “remain silent” during the by-election period. Sikander and Danial suffered serious injuries to their arms and back.
The journalists were released after intervention by the PFUJ and local union leaders. Affected journalists say they have been denied medical treatment and no investigation into the alleged abuse has begun.
PFUJ stated: “Whoever was behind the illegal abduction of journalists must be brought to justice. PFUJ has announced that it will move the court to register a first information report (FIR) against the kidnappers in the interest of justice.”
IFJ stated: “The Government of Pakistan must take action to thoroughly investigate the alleged abduction and harassment of a group of journalists in Gujrat. Further steps must be taken to protect the rights of media workers and ensure that impunity is not rampant. It needs to be introduced.”
