Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by yet another attack on media teams during political gatherings. It has become an unfortunate norm that in any large political rally or gathering, journalists can face violence.

On January 11 in Karachi, an Aaj News team, including senior crime reporter Saulat Jafferi, reporter Huma Nisar, cameraman Adnan Shaikh, engineer Jibran Hashmi, and driver Rizwan Ahmed, was injured when their news gathering vehicle (DSNG) was attacked near Numaish Chowrangi during clashes between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and police ahead of a planned PTI rally at Bagh-e-Jinnah.

PPF is concerned that journalists were deliberately targeted while carrying out their professional duties. The incident occurred after PTI supporters attempted to enter the rally venue ahead of the scheduled time, triggering clashes with police despite heavy deployment in the area. During the ensuing disorder, protesters resorted to stone-pelting, vandalised media vehicles, and physically assaulted members of the Aaj News team. Video footage circulating on social media shows protesters attacking the DSNG vehicle.

PPF reiterates its recommendations, as outlined in its 2025 annual report, that political parties must develop and strictly enforce clear codes of conduct during rallies and protests, including the designation of safe zones for journalists. PPF further stresses that political leadership recognises the impact of hostile rhetoric against journalists and ensures that codes of conduct governing interaction with the media are implemented at all levels to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.

Speaking to PPF, reporter Huma Nisar said the team was present at Numaish Chowrangi, where clashes were underway between police and PTI workers. She said that when the police retreated, the team also began preparing to leave the area toward Bagh-e-Jinnah. At that point, a mob suddenly advanced toward the DSNG vehicle, shouted abusive and inappropriate slogans, accused journalists of spreading lies, and incited violence against them. The mob then began pelting the vehicle with stones and striking it with their hands.

Nisar said she was seated in the front alongside the driver and was attacked from the front of the vehicle. A stone smashed the window and struck her, causing injuries. She added that Jafferi and the cameraman Sheikh, who were seated at the back, were also caught in the attack. Nisar said this was her first experience of such violence and that she struggled to comprehend how to respond. She praised her colleagues for attempting to shield her, pulling her toward the back of the vehicle and repeatedly telling the protesters that they were only present to cover the event and should be allowed to leave.

She further said that Saulat Jafferi sustained injuries during the assault. Driver Rizwan Ahmed was severely beaten by multiple individuals, slapped repeatedly, and grabbed by the collar as the mob surrounded the vehicle.

After the incident, the DSNG vehicle was moved out of the area with great difficulty. Upon reaching the office, all team members were immediately sent for medical treatment.

Aaj News Chief Reporter Iqtidar Anwar told PPF that large blocks and debris were thrown at the DSNG for about two minutes before the team was eventually rescued and brought back to the office.

PPF notes that while such incidents are condemned by government and political representatives, and authorities take notice, attacks on journalists continue to recur with little accountability. PPF calls on the Sindh government and law enforcement agencies to ensure swift, transparent, and effective action against those responsible and calls on political parties to develop and strictly enforce clear codes of conduct during rallies and protests to end the culture of impunity surrounding crimes against journalists.