IFJ Condemns Attack on Television Station in Pakistan

Media Release: Pakistan
June 28, 2012
IFJ Condemns Attack on Television Station in Pakistan

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in strongly condemning the attack on the office of Pakistan’s AAJ TV in the country’s southern city of Karachi on Monday June 26, 2012.

According to media reports, at least two employees of the private TV channel were injured when four armed men opened fire at the main gate of AAJ TV office at Gurumandir in Karachi.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an Islamist militant umbrella group based in Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack. In a phone call to AAJ News, TTP spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan threatened attacks against other Pakistani television channels that did not feature the Taliban point of view.

“The IFJ joins the PFUJ in demanding a thorough investigation of the attack on AAJ TV’s office building”, IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“This attack reveals the continued threat to the safety of media personnel in Pakistan, and demonstrates the urgent need for effective action by the government to address the worsening situation for press freedom in the country.”

This latest incident follows similar attacks on the offices of Kawaish Television Network (KTN) on May 11 and Geo TV on March 20.

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific

ENDS

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