Pakistan: Two journalists attacked and tortured

Journalist Khursheed Rajput of Tando Adam was allegedly tortured by local police on August 9, while journalist Kashif Ghafoor Arain was attacked and robbed on August 11, in separate provinces across Pakistan. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in condemning the recent attacks and urging provincial police authorities to thoroughly investigate these incidents.

On August 9, Tando Adam journalist, Khursheed Rajput, was reportedly tortured by local police in Sindh while in custody, Rajput was arrested and charged with robbery and illegal possession of weapons. The journalist has denied these charges, asserting that they had been fabricated in retaliation for his investigative reporting on the SSP's alleged misconduct.

Rajput claims that the Station House Officer Police of Tando Adam had recorded indecent videos of the journalist while he was being attacked. Rajput, along with a friend, were brought to court by the police, who sought a remand. However, the civil magistrate denied the request and ordered that Rajput be sent to jail.

Two days later, on August 11, journalist Kashif Ghafoor Arain was tortured and robbed by Waseem Gopang and other unknown assailants in the southern Punjabi city of Sadiqabad. The Sadiqabad City Police Station issued a report stating the attack took place outside a hair salon, where Arain was beaten with sticks and clubs.

The assailants allegedly took his mobile phone, PKR 32,700 (USD 117) in cash, and his press card. The motive behind the attack is unknown.

PFUJ President GM Jamali and Secretary General Rana Muhammad Azeem are concerned over these incidents and said that working journalists have been facing different problems just for performing their professional duties.

The PFUJ said: "The PFUJ is concerned over these incidents and said that working journalists have been facing different problems just for performing their duties as journalists. We condemn torture and fake cases against working journalists and urge the chief ministers of Punjab and Sindh to look into and take immediate notice of such incidents and provide justice and security to working journalists."

The IFJ said:"Journalists must be free to operate without fear of retribution, and reports of police brutality against media workers are particularly concerning. The IFJ condemns the attacks on Khursheed Rajput and Kashif Ghafoor Arain, and calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents, and ensure that those responsible do not escape with impunity."