Press Statement

TV reporter manhandled by Pakistan railway officers

24 Sep, 2015

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in condemning the manhandling of a TV reporter by the railway officers and police in Karachi, Pakistan.

On September 22, Chand Nawaz, a journalist with 92 News TV, and his crew were interviewing passengers at Karachi’s Cantt Station when police and railway officials heckled the crew and attacked Nawab. Nawab was interviewing passengers regarding an illegal hike in ticket prices on the eve of Eidul Azha, the largest Muslim holiday.

The railway officials also tried to turn off his camera and threatened to arrest the crew. The incident was recorded and later uploaded on social media. According to reports, a provincial minister had taken notice of the incident and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

Nawab is a well-known journalist, who inspired a character in the Indian blockbuster movie – Bajrangi Bhaijan, after a blooper reel of his went viral a few years ago.

The IFJ said: “The IFJ condemns the manhandling of a journalist and his crew to intimidate and disrupt their reporting. Journalists and media workers should not be attacked for simply doing their job. The IFJ urge the provincial Sindh government to immediately punish the culprits and ensure the free flow of information allowing journalists to report public issues.”

Written By

IFJ Asia-Pacific IFJ Asia-Pacific

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +61 2 9333 0946
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