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PESHAWAR, Jun 03 (APP): The Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the growing number of street crimes especially targeting journalists in the provincial capital, including mobile phone snatching, vehicle and motorcycle thefts, and other forms of armed robbery.
The union reported that numerous journalists have fallen victim to such incidents this year, yet police authorities have shown no tangible progress in apprehending the culprits or recovering stolen property.
In a joint press statement issued by KhUJ President Kashif-ud-Din Syed and General Secretary Irshad Ali, the union highlighted the rising frequency of attacks against journalists in the city.
They revealed that journalists are frequently being deprived of their mobile phones, cash, motorcycles, and cars, with no arrests or recoveries made by law enforcement agencies to date thus sparking widespread concern across the media community.
The union further revealed that on Tuesday street criminals snatched the mobile phone of Nasir Naeem, the General Secretary of the Video Journalists’ Association, and fled the scene.
President Kashif-ud-Din Syed stated that journalists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Peshawar, are increasingly becoming the targets of both criminal gangs and influential groups.
He criticized the apparent inaction of law enforcement agencies, describing it as a serious failure.
Additionally, the statement mentioned that during a recent protest organized by the Pakistan Peoples Party, a video journalist’s motorcycle was stolen. In other incidents earlier this year, two journalists had their vehicles stolen, while several others were robbed at gunpoint of cash and valuable belongings—yet none of the perpetrators have been brought to justice.
The KhUJ has called on the Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO), and the SSP Operations to take immediate action.
They demanded the prompt arrest of all those involved in these crimes, including those who targeted Nasir Naeem, and the recovery of the stolen valuables and vehicles.