Pakistan: Journalist attacked in office in Islamabad.

Senior journalist and Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) Secretary General Dr Furqan Rao was attacked in his office by unknown perpetrators, following recent elections to the Associated Press of Pakistan union. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), condemn the attack, and urge authorities to ensure the safety of journalists.

Dr Furqan Rao (C) stands next to supporters outside a police station in Islamabad, the night of an attack on his outlet's offices. Credit: X

Rao, the head of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)'s China desk, was attacked at approximately 11:00pm on March 29 by a large group of unknown persons, who forcibly enteredthe agency's Islamabad offices. The group proceeded to Dr Rao's offices, before attempting to assault him. The assailants were met with opposition from APP staff, who defended the senior journalist from the attackers.

Local authorities registered a First Information Report at the Aabparah Police Station in Islamabad on March 29 under rioting, unlawful assembly, destruction of property, and criminal intimidation sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Authorities have reportedly begun an investigation into the incident.

The attack comes following recent elections of APP collective bargaining agent unions, which were broadly opposed by outlet management. The perpetrators, reportedly external actors not employed at the APP may have been employed by outlet management in an intimidatory attack against Dr Rao, a union activist.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said: "The culprits should be arrested immediately, and a thorough investigation should be carried out of this attack."

The IFJ said:"Union elections are an opportunity for workers to have their voice heard in the workplace. If reports that management have engaged persons to carry out an attack against workers are true, then this is a flagrant abuse of labour rights, and must be investigated by authorities."