The 'Under Attack' page documents and highlights instances of violence, threats, and intimidation against journalists, news organizations, and press clubs across Pakistan since 2012. This section aims to shed light on the challenges media professionals face, their resilience in the face of adversity, and the broader implications for press freedom in the region. Some of the images in this section are graphic.
June 03, 2017: Geo News journalist Azaz Syed narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt by unidentified men in a car and on a motorbike. The incident occurred on Park Road near Bani Gala Police Station. Syed managed to flee to Shahzad Town Police Station, where a case was registered.
February 25, 2017: Punjab Police raided journalist Haroon Baloch's house early Saturday without search warrants. Baloch, a digital media trainer, reported that armed policemen arrived at his residence in New Town, claiming they were searching for terrorists. The raid was conducted without proper legal documentation.
January 25, 2017: Armed men reportedly linked to the PPP attacked the Larkana Press Club, damaging property and warning journalists against covering candidates opposing Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal claimed the attack was due to negative reporting on local development projects.
January 05, 2017: Samaa TV's Sukkur station head, Imdad Phulpoto, was abducted and tortured by police after exposing opposition leader Syed Khursheed Shah. Phulpoto's abduction, along with the torture of his family members, sparked nationwide protests by journalists.
December 18, 2016: Freelance photojournalist Waris Ali Shah was reportedly beaten by a police official in Pakpattan after exposing corruption. Local journalists protested, demanding his release and questioning the false FIR filed against him.
September 23, 2016: Two gunmen intercepted a car driven by the son of Aaj TV anchor Rana Mubashir near D-Square on Jinnah Avenue. Mubashir, who was not in the car, believes the gunmen were targeting him. The Kohsar Police Station is investigating the incident, raising concerns about journalist safety in Pakistan.
August 27, 2016: A 92 News TV crew was attacked in Lines Area Unit 54, damaging their DSNG van and injuring an engineer. Journalist unions condemn the violence and urge the arrest of the assailants. This follows a series of attacks on media teams in Karachi, including a recent shooting injuring DawnNews TV staff.
August 22, 2016: One person was killed and several injured when MQM activists, protesting against alleged biased coverage, attacked the ARY News office in Karachi. The violence, which included stone-pelting and aerial firing, also damaged vehicles and targeted journalists. MQM leaders allegedly incited the rampage during a hunger strike protest.
August 17, 2016: Two DawnNews Television employees, Hakim Khan and Yousaf, were injured in a shooting incident in Karachi's Landhi 89 neighborhood. Both are being treated at JPMC. The attackers remain unidentified.
June 02, 2015: Abb Takk Television reporter Atif Hussain was attacked by unidentified men while filming a graveyard. PFUJ and KUJ leaders demand the government to arrest the culprits and ensure the safety of journalists.
May 26, 2015: Journalists covering the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2015 face harassment from the Ministry of Information Technology, with State Minister Anusha Rehman ridiculing reporters. Azam Khan of The Express Tribune highlights threats and complaints, seeking action from PFUJ and the National Press Club.
April 13, 2015: Abdullah Zafar, a reporter with The Nation, was beaten up by security personnel during a snap-checking incident on Tariq Road, Karachi. The altercation started after Zafar exchanged words with traffic police over his motorcycle documents. Journalist unions have condemned the incident and demanded an immediate probe.
April 11, 2015: Islamabad Police personnel assaulted Obaid Abbasi, a reporter for The Express Tribune, while he was interviewing prisoners at the F-8 district courts. The police broke his cell phone and verbally abused him during the incident.
April 05, 2015: Dr. Nazir S. Bhatti, President of the Pakistan Christian Congress (PCC), strongly condemns the assault on Christian journalist Shamim Masih in Islamabad. Shamim was attacked by two unidentified men on a motorbike who threatened him to stop reporting on Christian issues.
March 21, 2015: AbbTakk News in Karachi received a parcel filled with live bullets, suspected to be a threat. Chief Minister Sindh has ordered an investigation into the matter for media security.
March 11, 2015: Express News cameraman Waseem Mughal is injured during clashes between Rangers and MQM workers at Nine-Zero in Karachi. The incident occurred during a raid where the Rangers claimed to have arrested the convicted killer of Geo News reporter Wali Babar.
March 06, 2015: Fawad Ali, a reporter with The Express Tribune, was severely beaten by a driver and conductor of a public transport wagon at Zero Point. The incident occurred during a protest against the driver's route deviation. Ali sustained a broken nose and demanded that the police register an FIR against the culprits.
February 26, 2015: Politicians and journalist unions condemn an attack on Dunya News reporter Munawwar Allam in Karachi. PFUJ calls for countrywide protests, urging government action to ensure journalist safety and press freedom.
February 15, 2015: Quetta Press Club receives a threatening letter from Fidayan-e-Islam demanding a ban on Christian members. Security measures are being enhanced as police investigate the threat.
January 24, 2015: The IFJ and PFUJ condemn Taliban threats to Peshawar journalist Zia ul Haq, urging the Pakistan Government to ensure journalist safety. ARY News and PFUJ face severe consequences if they oppose the Taliban.