Case Update Status

On September 10, police arrested another Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker accused of attacking journalists outside Adiala Jail during a media talk by Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan. The suspect was identified through CCTV footage. Earlier, three PTI workers had already been arrested in connection with the incident. https://www.nation.com.pk/11-Sep-2025/another-pti-worker-held-for-attacking-journalists-outside-adiala-jail

Summary of Case

On September 8, four journalists from Rawalpindi including Reporter Bol News & former President Supreme Court Journalist Association Tayyab Baloch, GNN TV Bureau Chief Ejaz Ahmed, News One reporter Faial Hakeem and KTN reporter Ghulam Rasool were attacked by PTI supporters outside Adiala Jail during a media talk with Aleema Khan, sparking an FIR against Aleema, her lawyer Naeem Haider Panjutha with 40 others. The attack occurred after journalists asked Aleema Khan about her US property purchases, leading to a violent assault and damage to equipment. Dawn suggested that a media interaction by Imran Khan's sister, Aleema Khan, turned violent on September 8 when PTI supporters allegedly attacked journalists for asking questions. Aleema Khan, Naeem Panjutha- her lawyer, and 40 other PTI activists have been booked for hurling threats, robbery, property damage, and unlawful assembly. As per the report, the incident comes after two women PTI supporters were taken into custody for throwing eggs at Aleema Khan during a media talk outside of Adiala Jail on September 5. Journalism Pakistan reported that a disturbing incident unfolded outside Adiala Jail when journalist Tayyab Baloch was allegedly assaulted by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. The incident occurred during a media talk by Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Baloch attempted to disrupt the media briefing, prompting PTI lawyer Naeem Haider Panjotha to warn him not to interrupt. Despite the warning, Baloch continued to press forward, leading to a scuffle in which he was grabbed, pulled to the ground, and slapped by several individuals. According to Bol News Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched a campaign targeting BOL News representative Tayyab Baloch after he questioned Aleema Khan regarding her property in the United States. The report says that the campaign began shortly after the journalist raised the issue during coverage, which sparked strong reactions from PTI circles. The party’s social media activists and supporters reportedly criticized Baloch for asking Aleema Khan about the matter, framing it as a deliberate attempt to malign PTI leadership. The report highlighted that instead of addressing the property-related question, PTI supporters turned their focus against the journalist, making him the center of a coordinated online backlash. BOL News underscored that Tayyab Baloch was performing his professional duty by posing a legitimate question of public interest, but the aggressive campaign launched against him raised concerns over press freedom and the treatment of journalists in the political sphere, explained by Baloch himself. FIR #1169/25 lodged at Saddar Police Station, Outer District, Rawalpindi on dated September 8, 2025, registered on the complaint of Tayyab Baloch, alleging that he was attacked by Aleema Khan and others near Adiala Jail Gate. It has been claimed in the FIR that the attack was in response to his reporting and requested legal action against the accused individuals. FIR has been registered against Aleema Khan and Naeem Haider Panjutha for attack on journalist Tayyab Baloch. According to the FIR filed by journalist Tayyab Baloch, the attack was triggered by a question about Aleema Khan's purchase of properties in the US. The incident occurred outside Adiala Jail, where a group of journalists had assembled for a media talk by Aleema Khan following proceedings in the Toshakhana case. During the assault, Baloch's mobile phone was snatched, and his microphone was smashed. Other journalists who tried to rescue him were also assaulted. Two suspects have been arrested so far, and raids are underway to apprehend the rest of the accused. A video surfaced showing the shocking moment when PTI workers brutally attacked journalists outside Adiala Jail. The footage reveals senior journalist Tayyab Baloch being mercilessly beaten and manhandled by PTI supporters after he posed questions to Aleema Khan. Other journalists, including Ijaz Ahmed and Faisal Hakeem, who attempted to intervene, were also targeted and subjected to verbal abuse. The disturbing video highlights the escalating tensions between PTI workers and journalists, raising serious concerns about press freedom and safety in Pakistan. On September 8, 2025 PTI supporter Arsalan Baloch, posted on X, trolling the journalists Tayyab Baloch and Ejaz Ahmed stating that a notable observation was made outside Adiala Jail-Two stray dogs were reportedly seen in the vicinity. Screenshot available In response to journalists When request to support and statement against trolling, Aleema Khan stood by saying, "We can we aunties will protect you." She further added that the police are also there to protect them. Noreen Khan Niazi echoed a similar sentiment.- posted by PTI official. In a vlog on his YouTube channel, Tayyab Khan explained that incident just after confronting with the situation outside Adiala Jail. Baloch explained that he was covering a meeting between PTI's Imran Khan and his sisters, Aleema Khan and Noreen Khan. Although the meeting didn't take place, Aleema Khan addressed the media, and Baloch posed a question regarding allegations that she had used Shaukat Khanum Hospital donations to purchase properties in America in 2004. As Baloch asked the question, PTI supporters, mostly YouTubers and young individuals, confronted him, started abusing him, and attempted to silence him. Interestingly, Aleema Khan seemed willing to respond to the question, but her supporters didn't give her the opportunity to speak. Instead, Aleema Khan countered Baloch, questioning his experience in journalism and mentioning various allegations against her, including the May 9 incident. She stated that if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wanted to pursue another case, he could do so, and she wouldn't be bothered. Baloch pointed out that Aleema Khan denied the allegation but didn't provide a direct response, which led him to believe that the news about her property dealings was true as was shared by Ammar Solangi, with description of the property valued at $785,000 purchased in 2004 and later sold in 2022, further fueling Baloch's question. Baloch emphasized that journalists' questions should be addressed properly, without resorting to confrontation and propaganda. Moreover, Noreen Khan, Imran Khan's other sister, allegedly instructed PTI workers to "clean up" the journalist, which Baloch perceived as a threat. Tayyab Baloch shared his account with PPF stating that on September 2, Baloch had asked Aleema Khan questions about allegations related to her property dealings, specifically about using Shaukat Khanum Hospital funds to purchase properties, on her visit to Adiala Jail. This led to a confrontation, and despite Aleema Khan's willingness to respond, her supporters and lawyers didn't allow her to answer. After the incident, Baloch received screenshots from his followers, revealing that PTI workers were engaged in a propaganda campaign against him on official groups on X, threatening to teach him a lesson for asking questions. On September 8, when Aleema Khan held a press conference outside the Adiala Jail, Baloch attempted to ask her about the PTI supporters' behavior towards him, but before Aleema Khan could respond, her supporters and lawyers attacked Baloch, beating him severely. An FIR was registered, but no arrests have been made yet. Baloch doesn't want anyone to be arrested and prefers the case to proceed through due process, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression and the right to ask questions as a journalist. He also answered his previous suspension by Bol News in July for asking Imran Khan questions, which was later lifted after the channel's ownership changed. Ajaz Ahmed, Bureau Chief of GNN News, shared his account with PPF saying that the incident was a culmination of a series of events that started on September 2, when Aleema Khan visited Adiala Jail to meet Imran Khan. Ahmed was among the journalists who asked questions about Aleema Khan's property dealings, specifically about allegations of embezzlement of Shaukat Khanum Hospital funds to purchase properties in America. After the incident, PTI supporters started trolling the journalists on social media, abusing them, and making threats. The supporters merged two separate incidents - the journalists asking questions about Aleema Khan's property and an incident where unknown individuals threw eggs at her on Sep 5 - to create a false narrative that the journalists were involved in the egg-throwing incident. On September 8, however, when Aleema Khan visited the Adiala Jail again, journalists tried to ask her questions and request a clear statement to dispel the false narrative. However, PTI supporters attacked the journalists, with Ahmed being thrown to the ground and injured. Tayyab Baloch was also attacked, and an FIR was registered only in his name. Despite the FIR, no arrests have been made so far. Ahmed stated that the journalists do not intend to pursue the case legally and instead want the PTI leaders to resolve the matter and apologize. Ahmed emphasized that the journalists' goal is to ensure their safety and freedom to ask questions without facing harassment or threats 365 News representative Sheraz Ahmed Sherazi told PPF that he has been covering the parliament house and political parties for the past eight years and recently they experienced an incident where a journalist Tayyab Baloch asked Aleema Khan a question about her properties secured in America and funding of PTI in Pakistan. After her response, trolling started on social media, with many Baloch individuals complaining about Aleema Khan's answer and PTI against the journalist. Sheraz further stated that on Sep 8 when Aleema Khan came for a press conference, Baloch tried to ask the questions, but they were silenced by PTI workers. During this incident, some colleagues, including senior journalist Ajaz Ahmed, were targeted and knocked to the ground, which Sheraz described as a regrettable incident. Sheraz emphasized that he won't just blame the PTI workers, saying that journalists should also remain within their limits. He pointed out that journalists are reporters for Supreme Court-accredited media outlets, not just PTI. When they approach with a preconceived agenda and don't know how to ask questions, it harms other colleagues and puts them in difficulties. Sheraz also mentioned that Baloch had previously complained Shajeel Imam Memon, alleging that his channel had hired PTI supporters for reporting, which put some colleagues' jobs at risk. Sheraz also shared his personal experience with Baloch saying that that when he disclosed corruption related to the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement), Baloch turned against him. Instead of supporting him, Baloch created and spread tickers against him, which Sheraz felt was unwarranted. All apart, Sheraz expressed that the previous day's incident was an attempt to restrict freedom and that PTI workers shouldn't have behaved like that. He believes that targeting other colleagues isn't the right approach when there's an issue with someone. Sheraz concluded by saying that the leadership, media department, and chairman should take notice of this regrettable incident. It is worth noting that previously in July Baloch was suspended by Bol News with an inquiry against him for questioning inappropriate question to PTI leader Imran Khan. According to details, during Imran Khan’s appearance in court on July 22, Baloch asked the question, “Khan Sahib! Are you ashamed of the steps you have taken so far?” Imran Khan did not answer, to which Tayyab Baloch said, “Khan Sahib, you are very bold.” Tehreek-e-Insaf supporters strongly condemned Baloch’s question and a campaign against Baloch started on social media, after which Bol News had took action and suspended Tayyab Baloch. According to Bol News’ tweet. The event drew widespread condemnation from the media fraternity. Prominent journalists Umar Cheema opposed the action of PTI saying that “it is an extremist party, it has nothing to do with politics. Whether in power or in waiting, it responds to its critics with abuse and violence.” Hassan Ayyub Khan criticized the PTI's tendency to respond to criticism with verbal abuse and violence. Khan said “By torturing Tayyab Baloch, it has been proven once again that PTI is not a political party but a group of anarchists.” The Karachi Press Club president, Fazil Kazmi, strongly denounced the attack, emphasizing that it was both unfortunate and condemnable. According to Kazmi, “The verbal & physical attack on journalists by political workers during Haleema Khan's media talk is both unfortunate & condemnable. This new trend will not end unless political parties actively discourage it. We must remember that politics & journalism rise & fall together.” Anchorperson Wajazahat Kazmi echoed this sentiment, stating that the PTI had rendered Pakistan unsafe for journalists. Kazmi said that “PTI has turned Pakistan into an unsafe country for the journalists. Today’s cowardly attack on Tayyab Baloch is a prime example of how journalism is suppressed and threatened by mob mentality and trolls of PTI.” In response, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt has called for a protest demonstration in front of the National Press Club on September 9, organized by the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) and the National Press Club. PFUJ, RIUJ, and NPC collectively demanded PTI leadership apologize, potentially leading to a nationwide protest. RIUJ President Tariq Virk and National Press Club leaders Azhar Jatoi and Nayyar Ali have condemned the attack, urging journalists to participate in the demonstrations to demand an apology from PTI leadership and uphold freedom of the press. Transcripts are attached. In a talk show, 11 hours with Waseem Badami on ARY News, Afzal Butt described the attack as seeming pre-planned, as social media platforms had been active with threatening messages against Baloch in the hours leading up to the event. Butt said that "We had informed PTA leadership about the threatening tweets from responsible Twitter accounts, but no action was taken," he added. Afzal Butt emphasized that journalists have the right to ask questions, while political leaders have the discretion to respond or not. However, the recent attack sets a concerning precedent, potentially emboldening other political groups to target journalists. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also condemned the attack, promising strict action and support for the journalist community. In Tarar's words, “Baloch was subjected to violence simply for dissenting opinions, which is unacceptable. Strict action will be taken. When there is no argument, violence is resorted to. This is their thinking, which is based on intolerance. Tarar said that he has always stood with journalists and will fully support them in this case as well. As per Dawn, Leaders of the Pakistan People’s Party, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, denounced the incident and demanded accountability for those involved. On September 10, police arrested another Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker accused of attacking journalists outside Adiala Jail during a media talk by Aleema Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan. The suspect was identified through CCTV footage. Earlier, three PTI workers had already been arrested in connection with the incident. reported, The Nation.

Category of Incident

Assault; Online Harassment

ICCS Status

ICCS Divisions: Assault- 0201, 02081-Harassment

ICCS Group: 02011 -Assault

ICCS Class: 020111

ICCS Crime: Assault

Reported By

Dawn

Date of incident

8

Month

September

Year

2025

Name of affected person

Tayyab Baloch

Other affected persons

Ejaz Ahmed Faisal Hakeem Ghulam Rasool

Name of affected organization

Bol News

Other affected organizations

GNN TV News One KTN

Action by

PTI supporters

City

Rawalpindi

Province

Punjab

Designation

Reporter

Professional category

Journalists

Age of victim

N/K

Marital Status

Compensation Details

Amount of compensation announced by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announcement by government: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation paid by government: No compensation was announced

Amount of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date of compensation announced by others: No compensation was announced

Date compensation paid by others: No compensation was announced

FIR Details

Was FIR registered ?: Yes

Date of FIR: 08/09/2025

FIR Details: FIR #1169/25 lodged at Saddar Police Station, Outer District, Rawalpindi on dated September 8, 2025, registered on the complaint of Tayyab Baloch, alleging that he was attacked by Aleema Khan and others near Adiala Jail Gate. It has been claimed in the FIR that the attack was in response to his reporting and requested legal action against the accused individuals. FIR has been registered against Aleema Khan and Naeem Haider Panjutha for attack on journalist Tayyab Baloch. According to the FIR filed by journalist Tayyab Baloch, the attack was triggered by a question about Aleema Khan's purchase of properties in the US. The incident occurred outside Adiala Jail, where a group of journalists had assembled for a media talk by Aleema Khan following proceedings in the Toshakhana case. During the assault, Baloch's mobile phone was snatched, and his microphone was smashed. Other journalists who tried to rescue him were also assaulted. Two suspects have been arrested so far, and raids are underway to apprehend the rest of the accused.

Police station of FIR: Saddar PS

Name of complainant: Tayyab Baloch

Name of accused in FIR: Aleema Khan, Haider and 40 others

Court Details

Was case investigated ?: No

Court where case was presented: Case was presented in any court

Name of prosecuting lawyer: Case was presented in any court

Date of first court hearing:

Date of last court hearing:

Status of court case: N/A

Journalist Union Status

PFUJ

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt has called for a protest demonstration in front of the National Press Club on September 9, organized by the Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) and National Press Club.

APNS

Not condemned

CPNE

Not condemned

PBA

Not condemned

Media Source Status

Media reports:

Condemn Status

Colleague of victim

365 News representative Sheraz Ahmed Sherazi told PPF that he has been covering the parliament house and political parties for the past eight years and recently they experienced an incident where a journalist Tayyab Baloch asked Aleema Khan a question about her properties secured in America and funding of PTI in Pakistan. After her response, trolling started on social media, with many Baloch individuals complaining about Aleema Khan's answer and PTI against the journalist. Sheraz further stated that on Sep 8 when Aleema Khan came for a press conference, Baloch tried to ask the questions, but they were silenced by PTI workers. During this incident, some colleagues, including senior journalist Ajaz Ahmed, were targeted and knocked to the ground, which Sheraz described as a regrettable incident. Sheraz emphasized that he won't just blame the PTI workers, saying that journalists should also remain within their limits. He pointed out that journalists are reporters for Supreme Court-accredited media outlets, not just PTI. When they approach with a preconceived agenda and don't know how to ask questions, it harms other colleagues and puts them in difficulties. Sheraz also mentioned that Baloch had previously complained Shajeel Imam Memon, alleging that his channel had hired PTI supporters for reporting, which put some colleagues' jobs at risk. Sheraz also shared his personal experience with Baloch saying that that when he disclosed corruption related to the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement), Baloch turned against him. Instead of supporting him, Baloch created and spread tickers against him, which Sheraz felt was unwarranted. All apart, Sheraz expressed that the previous day's incident was an attempt to restrict freedom and that PTI workers shouldn't have behaved like that. He believes that targeting other colleagues isn't the right approach when there's an issue with someone. Sheraz concluded by saying that the leadership, media department, and chairman should take notice of this regrettable incident.

Employer organization

N/A

Press Club Status

Press club 1: No version was recorded

Press club 2: No version was recorded

Press club 3: No version was recorded