Journalist unions have strongly condemned the alleged custodial abuse and unlawful detention of Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) President Tariq Ali Virk by police personnel at the New Town Police Station. Journalists have warned authorities that failure to take swift and concrete action against those responsible will trigger city-wide protests demanding justice.
In a strongly-worded statement issued by RIUJ General Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhry, the journalist body sharply criticized the lack of accountability by senior police officials regarding the actions of Station House Officer (SHO) Tayyab Baig, who is accused of physically assaulting and illegally detaining Virk. Chaudhry stressed that the journalists’ community should not be considered weak or passive, emphasizing that symbolic gestures will not suffice, and serious legal action against those responsible is mandatory.
Journalists described the treatment of Virk, who is widely respected for his principled stance, non-confrontational manner, and professionalism, as highly objectionable and humiliating. News of his mistreatment quickly spread among media circles, prompting an immediate gathering of journalists and senior union leaders, including Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) President Afzal Butt and RIUJ officials, outside the New Town Police Station. They collectively demanded swift justice and called for immediate penalties against those responsible.
The mobilisation sparked by the incident underscored journalists’ seriousness, reflecting their willingness to stage sit-ins and road blockades until authorities guarantee accountability and uphold press freedoms. PFUJ President Afzal Butt urged the police department to exercise autonomy and transparency by independently investigating and disciplining its officers involved in misconduct.
However, union officials expressed their disappointment over the prolonged silence and apparent indifference from Rawalpindi’s police administration. RIUJ leadership further signaled alarm, cautioning that authorities’ continued inaction would set a troubling precedent against press freedom and civil liberties.
Journalist leaders have issued an ultimatum calling on the police department to immediately register a First Information Report (FIR) against SHO Tayyab Baig and any officers involved in this unlawful act. If police officials fail to comply, the journalist community, in cooperation with the National Press Club, plans a large-scale protest at Rawalpindi Press Club on Monday, during which a formal action strategy will be unveiled.
