A Pakistani journalist critical of the military and the judiciary was attacked a knife and an iron rod on Friday by unidentified men in Islamabad when he was on his way to office.
Ahmad Noorani, an investigative reporter from The News International , was treated at a local hospital and was out of danger, police said.
The attack has sent shockwaves in the journalist community, which was quick to condemn the incident. Mr. Noorani had been reportedly facing threats for his criticism against the military and the judiciary. He had closed his Twitter account last week and was asked by the management of his organisation to remain cautious, police said.
Driver injured
A case in connection with the attack has been registered with the police by Mr. Noorani’s driver Mumtaz, who received minor injuries.
According to police, four men in two motorbikes chased Mr. Noorani’s car and stopped it near Urdu University at Zero Point. They then took the car key and attacked Mr. Noorani with the knife and the rod. Mr. Noorani received bruises on his head and hands.
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists condemned the attack and asked the government to hold an inquiry. Minister of State on Information Maryam Aurangzeb said the attackers would be “arrested soon.”
