Where is Sami Ibrahim? Senior Journalist’s Mysterious Disappearance Deepens Concerns

After the recent disappearance of journalist Imran Riaz, another prominent figure from the media industry has gone missing. Senior journalist and TV anchorperson Sami Ibrahim has reported missing in the federal capital, raising concerns about his safety. The incident has further highlighted the precarious situation faced by journalists in Pakistan and has sparked condemnation on social media platforms. Efforts are underway to locate and recover Ibrahim, while questions regarding the safety and protection of journalists continue to rise.

According to ‘The Express Tribune report’, Ibrahim’s brother, Ali Raza, filed a complaint at Aabpara Police Station, revealing that the senior journalist intercepted by four cars near Sixth Avenue, Sector G-6, around 9 pm on Wednesday while he was heading home with his driver after leaving the office. The complainant further stated that eight to ten unidentified men forcibly took Ibrahim, along with three mobile phones belonging to the driver and the car keys.

This incident occurs amidst an intensified crackdown by the state on the leadership, workers, and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party. The state has also targeted media personnel who express support for the PTI or voice concerns about civil liberties and judicial rights violations.

Earlier this month, journalists Imran Riaz Khan and Aftab Iqbal, both staunch supporters of the PTI, taken into custody. While Imran Riaz Khan’s whereabouts remain undisclosed, Aftab Iqbal has reportedly released.

Imran Riaz Missing

Ibrahim’s disappearance has sparked condemnation on social media platforms, with senior journalist Moeed Pirzada questioning the situation and highlighting the disappearance of Imran Riaz Khan, who is missing for 14 days since apprehended at Sialkot Airport. Another senior journalist, Mazhar Abbas, raised concerns about the absence of a journalists’ protection commission, despite the enactment of a law in 2021 to safeguard journalists’ rights.

The incident sheds light on the precarious situation faced by media personnel in Pakistan during political crackdowns. The country has faced severe criticism from international press freedom and human rights organizations for infringing on freedom of speech and failing to ensure journalist safety. Pakistan’s rank on the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2023 Press Freedom Index is 150 out of 180 countries.

This is not the first time Sami Ibrahim has faced threats from unidentified individuals. In July 2022, he reportedly attacked and subjected to torture outside his office in Islamabad. Ibrahim sustained minor injuries during the assault and informed the media that the attackers were driving a vehicle with a green-colored registration plate. He also claimed that the assailants recorded the incident.

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Rida Shahid
Rida Shahidhttps://hamariweb.com/
Rida Shahid is a content writer with expertise in publishing news articles with strong academic background in Political Science. She is imaginative, diligent, and well-versed in research techniques. Her essay displays her analytical style quite well. She is currently employed as English content writer at hamariweb.com.

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