Tensions have escalated in Gujrat as leading journalists have taken legal action against the district administration, alleging unlawful detention and physical attacks inside a police station. The Electronic Media Association (EMA) has rallied behind its members, demanding the withdrawal of what they claim are bogus charges filed against prominent journalists and calling for immediate accountability of senior health officials.
During an emergency meeting chaired by Syed Zulfiqar Haider, senior reporters and bureau chiefs from major TV channels reviewed recent events, including the filing of a controversial police report against Abdul Sattar Mirza, President of the Gujrat Press Club; former president Syed Naveed Shah; EMA President Zulfiqar Haider; and journalist Rana Shehzad. The press community asserts that these charges have been fabricated for political reasons.
Participants were informed about ongoing backdoor negotiations with the administration and the steps taken to seek legal redress. A formal writ petition has been submitted at the court of Additional Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal, requesting action over the alleged unlawful detention and manhandling of Zulfiqar Haider at the District Health Office.
The association strongly condemned what it described as a “coordinated attack” inside the police station, claiming that journalists were physically assaulted by individuals allegedly linked to health department officials while senior police officers stood by. EMA members have demanded the immediate removal of CEO Health Dr. Ataul Munim and DHO Dr. Aitraz, whom they hold responsible for the incident. Furthermore, they have called on the newly appointed District Police Officer Rana Umar Farooq to ensure a fair investigation and resist any external pressures.
According to association representatives, CCTV footage of the incident is available and should be used to pursue strict legal action against those responsible for assaulting journalists. In a joint statement, the journalists also appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Inspector General Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, and Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Haider Shirazi to intervene and act against individuals seeking to create a rift between the press and the administration.
The association reaffirmed the constructive role of the local press in maintaining peace and contributing to the city’s development. They warned that any attempts to intimidate or silence the media through false charges or violence would not succeed, declaring that the journalists of Gujrat are determined to defend their rights and press freedom.
