A strong wave of protest has erupted among journalists after the SHO of Rawalpindi’s New Town Police Station allegedly detained and mistreated Tariq Ali Work, the President of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ).
In response, journalists convened an emergency consultative session at the Rawalpindi Press Club, followed by a large protest rally that extended to Murree Road. The rally witnessed participation from senior media representatives, including PFUJ President Afzal Butt, RIUJ General Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, NPC President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary Nayer Ali, as well as prominent cameramen, photojournalists, and members of various social organizations.
Key Allegations: The journalist community accuses the New Town SHO of unlawfully detaining Tariq Ali Work and subjecting him to inappropriate behavior. They also allege that excessive force was used against other journalists — a serious breach of press freedom and constitutional rights.
Journalists’ Demands:
Immediate suspension of the involved SHO and initiation of legal proceedings.
Official action against police brutality and misconduct towards journalists.
Full protection of journalists’ constitutional and legal rights.
Protest Statements: PFUJ President Afzal Butt declared, “Tariq Ali Work is our red line. Any injustice against him will not be tolerated. If action is not taken within 24 hours, journalists across the country will protest in front of the CPO office until justice is served.”
RIUJ President Tariq Ali Work emphasized that the protest is rational and measured. He warned the Punjab government and district administration of intensified protests if their demands are ignored.
NPC President Azhar Jatoi and Secretary Nayer Ali also condemned the incident, asserting that no police official is above the law. Journalists present pledged to go to any extent to defend their rights.
Prominent journalists like former NPC President Anwar Raza, senior RIUJ leaders Raja Bashir Usmani and Gulzar Khan also joined the protest and denounced the police behavior as unacceptable.
Future Strategy: Journalists have given the authorities four days to act. If no action is taken, they announced a sit-in outside the CPO office, which will continue indefinitely until their demands are met. The movement will also include media professionals from twin cities and other regions including AJK, KP, and Punjab, symbolizing a united stand for press freedo
