Statement by Shahid Akhtar Awan, Former Candidate for President of Haripur Press Club

“The FIR filed against a journalist from a rural village of Haripur is a blatant violation of basic principles of justice. The FIR lacks essential details such as the journalist’s complete address, phone number, or any information regarding the public transport vehicle. Furthermore, no statements were taken from any passengers, the conductor, or the driver before registering the case.

The act of making the journalist’s picture from police custody viral is a clear demonstration of the police’s unprofessional behavior and a deliberate attempt to target journalists. The police must act responsibly and refrain from such vindictive actions against media professionals.

This incident also highlights the sheer incompetence of the journalists currently in power at the Haripur Press Club. If the leadership of the press club were responsible and proactive, such injustices against journalists would have been addressed immediately and effectively.

We will not only raise our voices against this injustice but will also uncover the truth behind this entire incident. Those behind this conspiracy will be exposed, and the demands of justice will be fulfilled. The journalist community will not tolerate such oppression, and we will continue our legal and moral struggle for justice.”