KARACHI (NPTV/IFJ): Senior journalist and Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Secretary General Dr Furqan Rao was attacked in his office by unknown perpetrators, following recent elections of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) union.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), condemn the attack, and urge authorities to ensure the safety of journalist
Rao, the head of APP’s China desk, was attacked at approximately 11:00pm on 29th March by a large group of unknown persons, who forcibly entered the agency’s offices here.
The group proceeded to Dr Rao’s offices, before attempting to assault him. The assailants were met with opposition from APP staff, who defended the senior journalist from the attackers.
Local authorities registered a First Information Report at the Aabparah Police Station here on 29th March under rioting, unlawful assembly, destruction of property, and criminal intimidation sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Authorities have reportedly begun an investigation into the incident.
The attack comes following recent elections of APP collective bargaining agent unions, which were broadly opposed by outlet management.
The perpetrators, reportedly external actors not employed at the APP may have been employed by outlet management in an intimidatory attack against Dr Rao, a union activist.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said: “The culprits should be arrested immediately, and a thorough investigation should be carried out of this attack.”
The IFJ said: “Union elections are an opportunity for workers to have their voice heard in the workplace.
“Ifj reports that management have engaged persons to carry out an attack against workers are true, then this is a flagrant abuse of labour rights, and must be investigated by authorities.”
Newspakistan.tv/APP
