Islamabad faces growing security concerns for journalists as Ehtisham Abbasi attacked outside FIA office

Concerns over the safety of journalists in Islamabad have increased following another violent incident involving a member

**ISLAMABAD:** Concerns over the safety of journalists in Islamabad have increased following another violent incident involving a member of the media community. Senior journalist **Ehtisham Abbasi** was reportedly attacked by unidentified individuals outside the **Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) office in Melody** on Thursday, leaving him seriously injured.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers approached Abbasi near the entrance of the FIA office and assaulted him before fleeing the scene. The journalist suffered serious injuries and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. His condition was reported to be critical.

Following the incident, police officials reached the location, secured the area and began collecting evidence as part of their investigation. However, no arrests had been reported at the time of filing this report. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and attempting to determine its motive.

The assault on Abbasi has raised fresh concerns about the security situation faced by journalists working in the federal capital. The incident occurred only a few days after **crime reporter Usman Butt** was reportedly assaulted near Faizabad Bridge.

The two incidents occurring within a short period have intensified concerns among journalists and rights organizations about the increasing risks faced by media workers. Independent media monitors, including **Freedom Network**, have identified Islamabad and Punjab among the most dangerous areas for journalists in Pakistan, with the two regions accounting for more than half of the media-related violations documented across the country.

Journalists and press organizations say that threats to the media are not limited to physical violence. They have also raised concerns about institutional pressure, legal restrictions and actions against journalists.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and media unions have previously expressed concern over a police raid at the **National Press Club**, where journalists were allegedly subjected to violence. Reports also claimed that equipment was damaged and several staff members were detained during the incident.

Meanwhile, media watchdogs have highlighted concerns over the increasing use of the **Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA)** against digital journalists and television talk-show anchors. According to media rights groups, some journalists have faced legal proceedings, restrictions on their financial accounts and other forms of pressure.

The recent incidents have also renewed debate over Pakistan’s overall press freedom situation. The country has fallen to **158th position among 180 countries** in the **World Press Freedom Index**, placing it in the category of countries facing a “very serious” situation for press freedom.

Journalist unions and press clubs have strongly condemned the attack on Ehtisham Abbasi and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible. They have also demanded a transparent judicial inquiry into the incident and stronger security arrangements for journalists working in Islamabad.

A senior office bearer of a press organization expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, saying that Islamabad was once regarded as a comparatively safe place for journalists but was now becoming increasingly dangerous.

Authorities have said that the investigation is continuing and further action will be taken once the facts surrounding the attack are established.