–Former PM condemns ‘painful’ incident of violence against private channel’s cameraman
–NA speaker bars entry of private security personnel in Parliament House
–Info Minister Fawad blames PML-N supremo for whole episode
In what is being seen as an extension of the VIP culture in the country, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s private security personnel on Monday tortured a news cameraman for making footage of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo outside Parliament House.
According to details, the cameraman belonging to a private news channel was tortured after Nawaz met his younger brother and Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif in Parliament House and participated in a high-level party meeting.
The meeting was also attended by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Rana Sanaullah, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Pervez Rashid, Amir Muqam and Ahsan Iqbal among other PML-N leaders.
VIDEO:
A man said to be from the security team of ex PM Nawaz Sharif knocks down a TV cameraman outside Parliament House in Islamabad. The cameraman was taken to a hospital unconscious and with an injured face. Not clear who he was and why he kicked the cameraman pic.twitter.com/YB1eNKscRl
— Arsalan Altaf (@Arsalanet) December 17, 2018
The incident occurred when local media was covering Nawaz’s departure from the parliament building. One of his private security guards attacked the media person, kicking his face and jumping over his body after subduing him.
Journalists present on the spot intervened to defuse the violent situation and took hold of the guard but when they tried to hand him over to the police, a few PML-N leaders came to his rescue and helped him flee the scene.
The media persons later staged a protest outside the parliament and stopped lawmakers from entering the building. Urging the government of taking notice of the incident, they demanded a swift legal action against the suspect.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry condemned the incident, saying that the federal government fully believes in freedom of expression and stands with the media workers.
The info minister said the former premier did not bother to stop even after witnessing the whole episode.
Seeking details of the incident from the journalists, Fawad assured of legal action against those responsible.
NAWAZ CONDEMNS ‘PAINFUL’ INCIDENT:
Nawaz also took notice against his security personnel and condemned the incident.
“I was painful and sad to know of the incident,” Nawaz said. “As soon as, I came to know of it I directed party leaders to take the cameraman to hospital and make arrangements for his treatment.”
He said he and his party have immense respect for all journalists, camerapersons and photographers.
“I will not tolerate any individual in my staff who is found guilty of mistreating a person in such a way,” the former premier said.
“We will ensure that this sort of regrettable, condemnable incident never happens in future,” he concluded in his statement.
SPEAKER BARS ENTRY OF PRIVATE GUARDS:
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser barred private security guards from entering the parliament house.
He ordered registration of FIR against the security guard involved in the media person’s torture.
The speaker said that in future, no one would be allowed to enter the parliament’s premises along with security guards.
“No matter how influential a leader is, he must leave his security detail outside the parliament,” he added.
MARRIYUM AURANGZEB CALLS ON CAMERAMAN:
PML-N Spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb called on the injured cameraman Wajid Ali in Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad.
She said Mian sahib has taken strict notice of the incident and the security guard involved in the incident would be punished.
Marriyum said the PML-N supremo had asked her to personally supervise the treatment of injured cameraman.
“The PML-N heartily respects the press and media fraternity,” she said while apologising on behalf of her party.
