In Lahore. Senior journalist and televangelist Ayaz Amir was beaten by unidentified men on Friday and sustained injuries.
The senior reporter was reportedly returning home after leaving the offices of a private news channel when he was physically attacked close to Abbott Road in the provincial capital. His personal items, including his phone, were also taken by the group of men.
According to Ayaz, his car was blocked and he and his driver were tortured by nearly six people, according to a local journalist. Face masks were reportedly worn by the attackers.
Users of social media also posted images of Ayaz’s wounds.
Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami, a prominent journalist and the editor-in-chief of Daily Pakistan, denounced the assault on Ayaz Amir. Mr. Shami described it as a challenge for the current authorities to identify the offenders and prosecute them in accordance with the law.
Several journalists and TV commentators, including the former prime minister Imran Khan, denounced the incident.
With violence and fabricated FIRs against journalists, politicians, and common people, Khan claimed that Pakistan was descending into the worst form of fascism. He added that the state had lost all moral authority and was using violence.
Senior journalist #AyazAmir attacked in #Lahore.The pattern is clear.People with criminal backgrounds also ordered to register bogus FIRs against many journalists for questioning #RCO
Were criminals tasked to
attack Ayaz Amir after historic speech on #RegimeChangeOperation? pic.twitter.com/UPvVvkqH1v— Arshad Sharif (@arsched) July 1, 2022
Shocking & condemnable attack on Ayaz Amir in Islamabad this eve. Pak is now descending into fascism where the State is brazenly using violence to suppress any even perceived dissent by all means available. Return to dark days of dictator Zia who gave birth to Sharif pol mafia pic.twitter.com/E5rBMzbhlH
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) July 1, 2022
Utterly reprehensible attack on Ayaz Amir one of Pakistan's most respected news commentators in Islamabad. Better ban freedom of speech through a state decree than beating into silence those exercising the right to free speech enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/fHTm2VCrpE
— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) July 1, 2022
A day after criticising ousted Pakistani premier Imran Khan in a party-sponsored event, the renowned analyst comes under fire.
Speaking at the occasion, Ayaz blamed the PTI leader for the problems the South Asian nation is experiencing. Ayaz attacked the former cricketer-turned-politician, saying, “You handed over Pakistan to property dealers.” Khan grinned back.