ISLAMABAD- Interior Minister, Faysal Saleh Hayat assured that he would take stern action against Station House Officer (SHO) Goldra Police Station, Khalid Virk for manhandling the journalist of International Iranian News Agency (Irna) here on April 01, 2003.
Interior Minster gave this assurance during Senate session after hearing complaints of journalists.
He categorically said that government would provide security to journalists to ensure freedom of press in the country. Press is the fourth pillar of Pakistan and our government is fully aware of it, Faysal added.
According to details, Substain Naqvi, a reporter of Irna was caught by SHO Goldra Police Station, Khalid Virk when he was having lunch in local hotel with his friends, in suspicion of having links with dacoity bid in Capital.
Police personnel snatched his cellular phone and maltreated him.
The other journalists also gathered on the spot and strongly protested against the SHO’s misbehaviour.
However, Khalid Virk admitted that the wrong allegations levelled against the journalist and apologised for the same.
Those journalists present on the spot warned police officer of serious consequences and wide range protest if he did not change his irrational attitude towards common man.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:4/2/2003
