October 8, 2024 - Islamabad, Pakistan

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on ABN News reporter Zahida Rao by police while covering a political protest in Islamabad on October 6, 2024. Despite clearly identifying herself as a journalist, women police officers forcibly dragged her and attempted to confiscate her phone.

Rao courageously resisted and remained steadfast in her reporting, refusing to be silenced. This attack is a blatant violation of human rights and press freedom in Pakistan.

WPF demands accountability for those responsible and insists that no journalist should face violence for doing their job. Authorities in Pakistan must respect journalists' right to report without fear of retaliation.