Nawaz Sharif should address abuse of journalists: panel

The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on the Pakistani government to ensure that there is a full investigation into the abduction and beating of a journalist for The Friday Times.

Ali Chishti, who writes on national security and counter-terrorism, told CPJ and local news outlets that he was abducted and beaten on Friday, August 30, and released the next morning.

“The abduction by police and subsequent abuse of Ali Chishti must not go unpunished,” said Bob Dietz, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator.

“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government should make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice. Sharif should make a priority of addressing the impunity with which attacks on journalists have taken place over the years. Pakistan’s record is abysmal in protecting its journalists from harassment, abduction, beatings and even death.”

Sources said Chishti was allegedly kidnapped and tortured by unidentified persons in Karachi.

“I was kidnapped, tortured & now forced to leave my Karachi. Will update,” journalist A K Chishti tweeted.

Mr Chishti, a Friday Times reporter, also uploaded his picture showing apparent injury marks on his head.

Mr Chishti writes on counter-terrorism and national security.

Friday Times editor-in-chief Najam Sethi also tweeted, “Ali Chishti, my star Friday Times reporter in Karachi, was yesterday kidnapped and bruised by xxx goons who abused & threatened TFT & me too.”

Other journalists have condemned the incident. They said the Sindh government needs to immediately investigate the abduction and torture of Chishti.

The incident comes at a time when law enforcement agencies led by the Rangers are set to launch a crackdown on criminal elements in the city.

Karachi has been plagued by sectarian violence and kidnappings for extortion.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Sep 7 2013. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.