KARACHI (MNN); Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the arrest of journalist Shahab Salman after Model Colony police booked him on charges of firing a weapon and injuring a man.
The journalist was arrested following the registration of a first information report under Sections 34, 324 and 337A(i) of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to common intention, attempted murder and causing head injury.
According to the complainant, who operates a cable network, he and his friends were having tea at a restaurant on Wednesday night when Salman and three others allegedly brandished a pistol and opened fire. The complainant claimed he sustained a bullet injury to his thigh during the incident.
He also alleged that the journalist had been spreading false information about him on social media for blackmailing purposes.
Taking notice of the matter, the Sindh home minister sought a detailed report from the Korangi senior superintendent of police. In a statement, Lanjar directed that merit, transparency and impartiality be ensured during the investigation and said media organisations should be taken into confidence.
He assured journalists that fairness and transparency would be maintained throughout the police inquiry.
Meanwhile, police said the Shah Faisal Colony superintendent of police and the SP Investigation had been appointed as inquiry officers. The Korangi SSP directed both officers to conduct the probe on merit and include the complaint submitted by Salman’s wife in the investigation.
In her application to the police, Salman’s wife alleged that certain elements were attempting to occupy land belonging to a bus terminal in Model Colony, which her husband had exposed in the course of his professional work. She claimed this led to threats against him.
She alleged that suspects riding four motorcycles arrived at the restaurant on Wednesday night and threatened her husband, after which he took out his licensed pistol and fired in self-defence.
She further claimed that the family had sought police protection earlier but received no response, and alleged that the suspects were backed by political elements. She also accused the suspects of assaulting her husband while he was in police custody.
Separately, the Karachi Press Club and the Karachi Union of Journalists strongly condemned Salman’s arrest.
In a joint statement, the KUJ president and secretary said arresting a person who fired in self-defence instead of the attackers was a matter of serious concern. They said Salman had been receiving threats for days due to his reporting and had approached the police for help after the incident but was turned away.
The statement alleged that police not only registered a case against Salman but also refused to accept his wife’s complaint, effectively aiding the accused.
The KUJ demanded that senior police officials take notice of the matter, ensure justice for the journalist and conduct a transparent investigation.
The Karachi Press Club also called for Salman’s immediate release and an impartial probe. In its statement, KPC President Fazil Jamili, Secretary Aslam Khan and members of the executive council expressed deep concern over the alleged attack on Salman and his subsequent arrest.
The KPC described Salman as a responsible and professional journalist, saying that law enforcement agencies should prioritise the protection of journalists facing threats and take action against the actual perpetrators.
The statement added that arresting a senior journalist on grounds of self-defence was alarming and warned that portraying the victim as the accused set a dangerous precedent. The KPC also demanded assurances that journalists would not face harassment or retaliation while performing their professional duties.
