- CJP directs provincial inspector general to submit report in 24 hours
LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday took notice of the attack on senior journalist Asad Kharral, directing the Punjab inspector general to submit a report on the incident in 24 hours.
On Tuesday, broadcast journalist Asad Kharal was beaten by “masked men” in Lahore. The anchorperson was on his way home from the airport when his vehicle was intercepted. He was taken out from the car and assaulted. Kharal was then moved to Lahore Services Hospital for medical treatment. Some news reports claimed that Kharal, who had been highly critical of the previous government, was attacked allegedly by men affiliated with the former ruling party. However, Kharal is yet to accuse anyone of the attack.
In a separate incident, police confirmed that journalist and activist Gul Bukhari was abducted by unknown persons in Lahore on Tuesday night. Early on Wednesday, her family confirmed she was home and “fine”.
In April, a Reporters Without Borders report said the Pakistani media was regarded as among the most vibrant in Asia but due to pressure being exerted by extremist groups and intelligence agencies it was increasingly resorting to self-censorship.
