Senior journalist and General Secretary of Rawalpindi Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Dr Furqan Rao was attacked by a mob linked to local tea merchant Rana Imran Latif after the general election at Associated Press Association of Pakistan. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its branch, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), condemned the attack and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of journalists.
Dr Furqan Rao (C) stands with supporters outside a police station in Islamabad before the mall attack. Credit: X.
Associated Press Pakistan (APP) Bureau Chief China Rao said on March 29 at 11:00 a.m., tea shop operator Rana Imran Latif and his colleagues forced their way into the agency’s office in Islamabad. He went to Dr. Rao’s office before the mob attacked him. The attackers were retaliated by APP personnel who protected the senior journalist from the attackers.
A First Information Report was registered on March 29 at the Aabparah Police Station in Islamabad for rioting, unlawful assembly, destruction of property and intimidation under the Pakistan Penal Code. According to reports, authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar will set up an investigation committee to investigate the incident and file a possible case against the store manager. The results of the survey are expected from April 20.
The strike followed general elections of the APP collective bargaining body, the results of which were protested by trade leaders. The perpetrators are said to be external actors who do not work for APP and may be used by trade leaders in intimidation attacks against union activist Dr Rao.
If the hiring manager’s report of attacking workers is correct, this is an abuse of workers’ rights and should be investigated by the authorities.”
