Pakistani TV journalist survives attack

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in strongly condemning the attack on a television reporter and his wife on December 22 in Sialkot, Pakistan. Zeeshan Shamsi, a reporter with NewsOne Television, and his wife were subjected of indiscriminate firing by three unidentified assailants. Although he escaped unhurt, his wife Saima Zeeshan was hit by two bullets on her chest. They were traveling in their car from Sialkot to Islamabad when they were intercepted and attacked by gunmen on a vehicle. Police suspected it’s a robbery as the gunmen also looted valuables, jewelry and cash from them. Police has registered the case and is investigating. The IFJ said: “This is an unfortunate and condemnable attack on a journalist and his family. The IFJ urges the state to immediately arrest the culprits to begin the legal course.” Pakistan is the most dangerous countries for journalists in the world. In 2014 only, 14 journalists and media workers have been killed in Pakistan and many more threatened, intimidated and attacked. The IFJ Asia Pacific acting director Jane Worthington said: “Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world right now for journalists and the situation has undoubtedly worsened due to high level of impunity for crimes against media workers. Pakistan must make immediate efforts to bring an end to the culture of impunity.”

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