PTI sorry over abuse of UK journalists

Accepts journalists were attacked during anti-Nawaz protest

LONDON: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (UK) has apologised to Pakistani journalists in the UK after senior journalists were abused and threatened during PTI’s agitation on 25th of May here outside Hasan Nawaz Sharif’s flat.

Veteran reporter Ahmed Ali Syed was attacked and other journalists were threatened and vulgar language used against them by at least three activists. The protest had to be ended as journalists protested and later on Pakistan Press Club and Pakistan Journalists Association came together to boycott all PTI events till apology and action against the three activists who were found to be involved in attacks and harassment of journalists.

The attack was led by Tariq Mahmood and his vulgar language was endorsed by PTI senior leader Faisal Khawaja. Imran Khakwani, who describes himself as Managing Director; AIA (UK), MSc Finance & Investment (UK) and founder of the London-based Berkeley Accountants, abused journalists and demanded from them to explain in advance what they will write in their newspaper stories the following day.

During a meeting held over the weekend between PTI UK President Riaz Khan, Secretary General Zahid Pervaiz and Imran Khan’s advisor Sahibzada Jahangir and members of Pakistani journalist unions. Sahibzada Jahnagir in his remarks said that attacks on journalists were unacceptable and must be condemned.

PTI leaders agreed that Faisal Khawaja is PTI’s member and a show cause notice to him has been issued and if his explanation is unsatisfactory then he will be suspended from the party.  It was decided that Mr Tariq Mahmood & Mr Imran Khakwani will be barred from taking part in any of PTI UK events. PTI leaders assured that Mr Khakwani and Mr Mahmood will be notified in writing about this and action will be taken against them if they don’t comply.

A joint statement said: “PTI UK completely distances itself from these individuals involved in the abuse of respected journalists. We are deeply saddened and sorry to acknowledge that these individuals damaged PTI’s reputation, its relations with media and PTI UK condemns such actions in strictest terms. PTI UK will appoint a media focal person who will coordinate with media for all PTI UK future events. Media members agreed that they will only accept invitations for PTI related official events from the media focal person only.”