On May 29, Neo News reporter Hanif Bazai and cameraperson Zafar Ali Abro were allegedly assaulted while covering a protest by members of the Quetta District Bar Association at the Quetta District Court. The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) has condemned the incident and announced a boycott of events organized by the Bar Association.
Speaking to Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Bazai said the Neo News team was reporting on a protest against the arrest of Advocate Ghulam Mustafa. He stated that lawyers had blocked access to the court and stopped civilians from entering. While filming an exchange between the lawyers and a woman trying to attend a hearing, Bazai was allegedly verbally abused, physically assaulted, and had his mobile phone and identity card taken by a lawyer who then pushed him and ordered him to leave.
Bazai further told PPF that District Bar Association President Advocate Qari Rehmat had assured the BUJ that the lawyers involved would offer an apology. However, no such apology or formal contact had been made with the BUJ as of yet.
Neo News Bureau Chief Muhammad Kazim Mengal termed the incident “highly deplorable” and described it as an attack on press freedom.
District Bar Association General Secretary Mir Ali Bilawal Khoso, while speaking to PPF, called it a “minor issue” during a strike. He claimed that the Bar Association had offered to apologize. However, the BUJ has maintained its stance, demanding that the Bar disclose the names of the individuals involved and initiate disciplinary action.
BUJ Secretary General Ghani Kakar confirmed to PPF that while the Bar Association president approached the BUJ and offered an apology, the failure to identify the perpetrators has obstructed any resolution. Kakar reiterated the union’s demand for accountability and called for legal action against the lawyers involved.
The BUJ condemned the assault on Bazai as a violation of press freedom, constitutional protections, and human dignity. The union stated that its boycott of legal fraternity events would continue until the responsible lawyers are identified and held accountable.
