November 26, 2024 - Islamabad, Pakistan

Women Press Freedom condemns the violent attack on Qurrat ul Ain Shirazi - a correspondent for Independent Urdu - by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters during their protest in Islamabad. No journalist should face violence for doing their job.

Shirazi, who was reporting from D-Chowk in Pakistan’s capital, was “pushed and kicked” by protestors. She was also struck with a stick by the crowd, who demanded she and her colleague leave the scene, despite both wearing press jackets.

Speaking with Women Press Freedom, Qurrat highlighted the need for protestors to be sensitised towards journalists covering their stories on the ground.

“They need to be sensitised to how journalists should not be attacked for literally doing their job. The question remains as to why these type of incidents happen when one is covering PTI’s protests,” she said.

She also mentioned being equipped with all the safety gear and that neither she nor her colleague had done anything to potentially instigate the protestors.

While peaceful protest is a democratic right, resorting to violence undermines its purpose. Protestors must respect the role of journalists who strive to present all sides of the story, often at great personal risk.

We demand Pakistani authorities investigate the incidents and hold those responsible to account. We further demand authorities ensure the safety of the press covering the ongoing protests.