Case Update Status

N/A

Summary of Case

On September 9, ARY News team, including its reporter Afzal Khan and cameraperson Zeeshan Marghob, got injured during coverage of a fire that broke out at a garment factory in the New Karachi Industrial Area, leading to a building collapse; fortunately, they were saved. The team was taken to Agha Khan Hospital for treatment and provided with the medical facility by the organization. Reports emerged that a massive fire had erupted in a garment factory in New Karachi, causing panic among nearby residents and workers. According to rescue sources, fire brigade teams have reached the spot and tried to control the blaze. Early reports suggest heavy smoke can be seen from several kilometers away, raising concerns about property loss and worker safety. Afzal Khan's report on ARY is available detailing the fire breakout incident, where he himself mentioned that he, along with cameraperson Zeeshan, got injured during the building collapse, leading the anchor to focus on them too. Afzal Khan shared his account of being injured while covering an explosive factory in New Karachi. He and his cameraman, Zeeshan, were carefully covering the incident when they got too close to the building, which was already damaged and weakened by the fire. As they approached, the building suddenly collapsed, and they had to run for their lives. Khan fell and sustained minor injuries, including cuts and bruises on his hands, head, and face. Zeeshan also sustained a minor head injury from a piece of debris (stone) that struck him. After the incident, Khan reported to his organization, ARY, and was taken to Agha Khan Hospital for treatment. ARY covered the medical expenses, and they were advised to take 3-4 days of rest. Khan is currently on leave but plans to join work after a week, he said. Rescue 1122 also offered them first-aid, but they preferred to go to the hospital as the admin officer, ARY Mr. Faisal, had arrived on time. Khan acknowledged that he made a mistake by getting too close to the building and that the incident was uncertain and unpredictable. He emphasized that his organization supports him and has provided him with the necessary care and time to recover. Zeeshan Marghob told PPF on Sep 12 that he was injured during coverage of a scalded factory in the New Karachi Industrial area, where he also made a mistake by not following protocols and getting too close to the scene, and the building suddenly collapsed, which he didn't anticipate. Marghob added that before they reached the hospital, some officials from their organization, including the Deputy Bureau Chief, Salahuddin, contacted them and stayed on the call, and the admin officer, Mr. Faisal, also reached the scene promptly. Initially, they were taken to a local hospital in the industrial area, but they weren't satisfied, so they requested to go to their preferred clinic. Although ARY referred them to be shifted to Agha Khan Hospital, Zeeshan wanted to get treatment from Imam Clinic, so the organization arranged for his treatment there and covered all expenses. Additionally, Zeeshan stressed the need for media safety protocol training for journalists and photographers working in the field. ARY Senior Editor & Investigative journalist Majid Khan spoke with PPF about the incident involving Afzal Khan, stating that Afzal Khan's own actions contributed to the injury, as he was trying to get exclusive footage and ventured too close to the fire despite the risks. Majid emphasized the importance of following standard operating procedures (SOPs) and prioritizing safety while reporting. Majid highlighted the need for journalists to follow SOPs and prioritize their safety while reporting, especially in hazardous situations. Speaking to PPF, Bureau Chief ARY, and President PFUJ wing Sukkur Lala Asad described the incident involving Afzal Khan and Zeeshan as an accident. He emphasized that ARY News provides training to its journalists on safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance while reporting and prioritizing their safety. According to him, Afzal Khan and Zeeshan generally followed these protocols but were caught off guard by the unexpected collapse of the building. As a result, both journalists were injured, with Zeeshan, the cameraman, sustaining more severe injuries. They were promptly taken to Agha Khan Hospital, where they received proper treatment. ARY News is covering all medical expenses and will provide any necessary financial support during their recovery, added Asad.

Category of Incident

Accident

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions:

ICCS Group:

ICCS Class:

ICCS Crime:

Reported By

ARY

Date of incident

9

Month

September

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Afzal Khan

Other affected persons

Zeeshan Marghob

Name of affected organization

ARY

Other affected organizations

N/A

Action by

N/A

City

Karachi

Province

Sindh

Designation

Reporter and Cameraperson

Professional category

Journalists

Age of victim

N/K

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: N/A

Date of compensation announcement by government: N/A

Date of compensation paid by government: N/A

Amount of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date of compensation announced by others: N/A

Date compensation paid by others: N/A

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: No

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: N/A

Court where case was presented: N/A

Name of prosecuting lawyer: N/A

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: N/A

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

Not condemned

APNS

Not condemned

CPNE

Not condemned

PBA

Not condemned

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

N/A

Employer organization

Speaking to PPF, Bureau Chief ARY, and President PFUJ wing Sukkur Lala Asad described the incident involving Afzal Khan and Zeeshan as an accident. He emphasized that ARY News provides training to its journalists on safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance while reporting and prioritizing their safety. According to him, Afzal Khan and Zeeshan generally followed these protocols but were caught off guard by the unexpected collapse of the building. As a result, both journalists were injured, with Zeeshan, the cameraman, sustaining more severe injuries. They were promptly taken to Agha Khan Hospital, where they received proper treatment. ARY News is covering all medical expenses and will provide any necessary financial support during their recovery, added Asad.

Press Club Status

Press club 1:

Press club 2:

Press club 3: