Journalists in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are demanding immediate action against local police after Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Tariq Ali Virk was allegedly mistreated and unlawfully detained by officers at New Town Police Station. The incident, which RIUJ described as humiliating and unacceptable, prompted strong condemnation from journalist groups and intensified calls for accountability within the police department.
The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists issued a stern denunciation through General Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, expressing outrage over what they called the police’s blatant misconduct. The union directly accused Station House Officer (SHO) Tayyab Baig of engaging in physical aggression and unlawful confinement of their respected leader Tariq Ali Virk. RIUJ stressed that their patience should not be misconstrued as weakness, and demanded tangible, legal actions against those responsible, rejecting mere symbolic gestures or vague assurances.
RIUJ described Virk as a moderate, respectful, and principled leader known widely for his soft-spoken nature who never previously engaged in confrontation or conflict. The distress inflicted upon Virk has sparked anger across the journalist community, prompting an immediate collective response. Upon hearing news of Virk’s detention, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt, RIUJ General Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, along with other leaders and numerous journalists, quickly gathered outside New Town Police Station. They demanded justice for the unacceptable treatment meted out to their colleague and expressed readiness to stage sit-ins and road blockages if their demands were not promptly addressed.
PFUJ President Afzal Butt underscored his hope that the police leadership would act impartially and independently, holding accountable their own officers involved in misconduct. Butt reiterated that the police have a critical role in safeguarding press freedom and upholding the dignity of journalists and citizens alike. Yet, journalist unions expressed deep disappointment at the silence and inaction shown by senior Rawalpindi police officials, warning that such negligence could set a dangerous precedent for future impunity.
In a forceful ultimatum, the journalists’ bodies have demanded the immediate registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against SHO Tayyab Baig and other officers directly responsible. They warned of escalating their grievances into a major protest movement if their call for justice is ignored. The RIUJ, supported by the National Press Club, plans to gather journalists in a significant protest rally at the Rawalpindi Press Club on Monday, where they will announce further steps to ensure legal accountability and protect journalistic freedoms.
