Senior journalist Ahmad Noorani attacked in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Ahmad Noorani, a senior journalist working with English daily The News, was physically assaulted by six unknown assailants on Friday.

As per reports, Noorani’s car was intercepted by people riding three motorcyclists near Zero Point Interchange when he was travelling from Islamabad to Rawalpindi.

Three men got off from the motorcycles and attacked Noorani and his driver with knives while the other three stood guard. The wounded were rushed to Poly Clinic hospital for treatment, police said, adding that the two victims were stable although the journalist had sustained head injuries.

Reports suggested that the attackers tried to take Noorani’s mobile phones but failed to do so.

Following the incident, Noorani’s colleague, Ansar Abbasi tweeted to inform about the attack.

Severely beaten. Multiple head injuries. He is conscious. The attackers were six in number. https://t.co/SZJsJwOcM4

— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) October 27, 2017

Condemning the act, Noorani’s colleague Syed Talat Hussain described the attack as “shameful”.

“[The] threat to journalists hasn’t been clearer, more present and more apparent,” he said.

Colleague Ahmad Noorani beaten up by 6. Hospitalised. Shameful. Threat to journalists hasnt been clearer, more present and more apparent.

— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) October 27, 2017

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf   (PTI) leader Asad Umar condemning the attack demanded identification and arrest of the attackers.

Condemn the attack on ahmed noorani. An attack on journalists is an attack on freedom of expression. Culprits must be identified & punished

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) October 27, 2017