Javed Ur Rehman
CHAKDARA: Journalists in Chakdara strongly condemned the attack on senior journalist and Khyber News correspondent Muhammad Israr Khan, terming it a blatant attack on press freedom and demanding immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
According to details, journalists of Chakdara Press Club staged a protest demonstration in front of the press club against the attack and threats directed at the senior journalist. Addressing the protesters, President of Chakdara Press Club Muhammad Jalil, General Secretary Noor Faqir, former President Shah Faisal Afghani, senior journalist Zafar Ali Shah, and Finance Secretary Javed Rehman strongly criticized the incident.
The speakers said the attack on Muhammad Israr Khan was highly unfortunate and condemnable. They stated that journalists serve as the eyes and ears of society by highlighting public issues, but unfortunately, media professionals across the country often face threats and attacks while performing their professional duties.
They urged the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection of journalists and immediately arrest those involved in the incident, adding that strict legal action must be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The speakers also reiterated their commitment to continue raising their voices at every forum for the protection of journalists’ rights and press freedom. They warned that if immediate action is not taken against those responsible, the journalist community will be compelled to launch protests across Malakand Division and throughout the province.
The protest demonstration was also attended by Trade Union Vice President Ali Badshah, senior journalist Haji Gul from Malakand Press Club, and other journalists from Chakdara Press Club.
