ISLAMABAD Oct 27 (TNS): Senior journalist with The News, Ahmad Noorani, was assaulted by unidentified attackers on the federal capital’s Khayabane Suharwardy road on Friday.
According to details, Noorani’s car was stopped by three men travelling on a motorcycle near Zero Point Interchange while he was on his way home in Islamabad from Rawalpindi.
The three men got down from their unmarked motorcycle after chasing down Noorani while another three, who were standing where the car was stopped with another unmarked motorcycle, joined in and severely beat up Noorani and his driver with iron rods after throwing out the keys from the ignition.
The attackers sped away on the two bikes, with no licence plates, towards Zero Point after onlookers began gathering at the site and traffic started coming to a halt on the busy road.
Noorani was taken to the Polyclinic Hospital by a passerby where he was administered medical aid.
Out of danger now, Noorani’s medical tests are under way. He suffered head wounds and has swelling on the left side of his neck.
Doctors are expected to keep Noorani overnight for observation.
Reports said the attackers attempted to take Noorani’s mobile phones but failed to do so.
State Interior Minister Tallal Chaudhry ordered the police to secure the record of the Safe City Project cameras and bring the attackers to book.
The police are investigating the case and have recorded statements of witnesses on site.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack on Noorani. According to the party’s official Twitter account, Bilawal said attacks on journalists are unacceptable and the PPP has always fought for the freedom of the press.
Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and State Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb condemned the attack and termed it an assault on freedom of expression.
