Islamabad( The COW News Digital) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has issued an unconditional apology to journalists following an incident in which party workers allegedly assaulted several reporters outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. The apology was accepted by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), bringing an end to the protests staged by media representatives.
According to Express News, the clash occurred outside Adiala Jail, where PTI workers reportedly acted under the instructions of party leader Naeem Haider Panjhotha. Journalists including Tayyab Baloch, Ejaz Ahmed, Faisal Hakeem, and Ghulam Rasool Qambar were allegedly beaten during the confrontation.
The incident sparked outrage among journalists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, who launched protests demanding action against the perpetrators and accountability from the party leadership. PFUJ strongly condemned the attack, calling it an attack on press freedom and urging political parties to respect the role of the media in a democratic society.
In response to the mounting criticism, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar personally reached out to the media community and offered an unconditional apology. “I deeply regret what happened and assure you that such incidents will not be tolerated within PTI,” he said. His apology was formally accepted by PFUJ, which then called off its protests.
PTI’s central leadership has also expressed serious reservations over the incident and announced the formation of an internal committee to investigate the matter. Party sources revealed that disciplinary action, including a possible show-cause notice, is being considered against Naeem Haider Panjhotha for allegedly instigating the violence.
Political analysts say the party’s swift response and Gohar’s public apology reflect PTI’s attempts to repair relations with the press, especially at a time when the party is seeking to rebuild its image amid ongoing political challenges.
Media watchdogs have welcomed the resolution but warned that repeated incidents of violence against journalists must be addressed through systemic reforms and stronger party discipline. “A free press is vital for democracy, and political parties must ensure their workers understand this,” PFUJ said in a statement following the settlement.
The incident has once again highlighted the tense relationship between journalists and political workers in Pakistan, where media professionals often face threats, harassment, and physical assaults while reporting on political events.
