Journalist Aftab Iqbal's arrest triggers concerns; daughter raises questions

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 12 May 2023

Aftab Iqbal, a senior journalist, was reportedly abducted from his home, raising serious concerns about press safety in Pakistan. His daughter details the shocking incident, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in the country.
Summary

ISLAMABAD— In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the media community, senior Pakistani journalist Aftab Iqbal was reportedly abducted from his home amidst allegations of his pro-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stance.

The incident was narrated in a short video clip by Ayesha Noor Iqbal, daughter of Aftab Iqbal. She detailed the harrowing ordeal.

Ayesha Noor Iqbal emphasized that her father, a highly regarded journalist, has always operated within the confines of the law and advocated for love and peace. She expressed disbelief and outrage over the manner in which her father was taken away by unidentified individuals in four Vigo trucks, in broad daylight, without any search or arrest warrants.

According to Ayesha Noor Iqbal, her father's staff tried to prevent the abduction, but they were violently beaten by the abductors and forced to lie on the floor under threat of being shot. She questioned the nature of this act, describing it as a form of terrorism and highlighting the absence of the rule of law. Her account raises concerns about the security and safety of journalists, as well as the potential for arbitrary intrusion into people's homes.

The arrest of Aftab Iqbal, known for his pro-PTI stance, has sparked widespread outrage within the media fraternity and among advocates of press freedom. It has ignited discussions regarding the protection of journalists and the importance of upholding freedom of expression in Pakistan.

This incident comes as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and the potential dangers associated with expressing dissenting opinions.

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