NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / World News / Eminent Pakistani journalist known for dissent abducted, released hours later
    Eminent Pakistani journalist known for dissent abducted, released hours later
    1/7
    World 2 min read

    Eminent Pakistani journalist known for dissent abducted, released hours later

    By Gogona Saikia
    Jun 06, 2018
    11:41 am
    Eminent Pakistani journalist known for dissent abducted, released hours later

    Yet another Pakistani journalist, a vocal critic of Islamabad's military might, was abducted yesterday. Gul Bukhari reached home safely early this morning. Witnesses say kidnappers intercepted her on her way to work and dragged her away while others in "army-uniforms" stood guard. Bukhari has written several articles accusing the military and judiciary of overstepping their boundaries in the run-up to the July 25 general elections.

    2/7

    What happened?

    Bukhari was going to record a TV program on the Waqt news show when some pick-up trucks stopped her near the cantonment area in Lahore, colleagues said. Men in plainclothes then dragged her out of her vehicle and assaulted her driver, said Waqt producer Muhammad Gulsher. "They put a black mask on her face and took her," he added. The military hasn't commented yet.

    3/7

    Missing journalist unites voices on social media

    During her disappearance, #BringBackGulBukhari trended on Twitter. "If (allegations of abduction are) true, this would be a most audacious attempt to silence a known critic. Is this Pakistan or Kim's North Korea or Sisi's Egypt?" said Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent journalist. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, daughter of former PM Nawaz Sharif, called the abduction "disturbing." "This is just cruel & worst kind of oppression. Sad day."

    4/7

    The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Bukhari's release

    CPJ is alarmed by reports that @gulbukhari has been abducted in Lahore. Police should do everything in their power to investigate and ensure her prompt and safe return. Pakistani journalists have seen enough tragedy. https://t.co/9ZmQcul4xp

    — CPJ Asia (@CPJAsia) June 5, 2018
    5/7

    Not the first such case

    Sadly, such disappearances aren't uncommon in Pakistan. Last October, Zeenat Shahzadi was found two years after she disappeared. She was last working on the case of a missing Indian citizen, Hamid Ansari, which ultimately led to security agencies admitting that Ansari was in their custody. Earlier this year, Taha Siddiqui, a prominent voice known for critiquing his country's government, narrowly escaped a kidnapping bid.

    6/7

    Five bloggers kidnapped, only four returned. Then they fled

    Five Pakistani bloggers had gone missing for several weeks in 2017. Only four of them eventually returned. All four fled Pakistan. Two later opened up about being tortured by a state intelligence agency when they were being held captive.

    7/7

    The role of Pakistan's intel agency

    Though the missing persons commission mostly blames non-state actors, Pakistan's ISI is widely believed to target journalist and activists. Thirty-four journalists were killed for their work during 2008-2014, Amnesty noted. The Human Rights Index recovered 4,557 bodies of suspected victims of enforced disappearances during 2009-2015. Laws like the Pakistan Protection Act, 2014 and the Pakistan Protection Ordinance extend unobstructed powers to law enforcement agencies.

    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Pakistan News
    Islamabad
    Nawaz Sharif
    Hamid Ansari

    Pakistan News

    Sitharaman warns Pakistan of retaliation in face of unprovoked attacks India
    Rajasthani man missing for 5 years lodged in Pakistan jail Sushma Swaraj
    Pakistan: Ban on Indian-films during Eid reduced to one week Salman Khan
    IPL betting: Police certain of distant, but clear, Dawood connection Indian Premier League (IPL)

    Islamabad

    Anti-government Pakistani reporter Taha Siddiqui escapes kidnapping bid Pakistan News
    As US withdraws aid to Pakistan, China swoops in China Pakistan Economic Corridor
    US religious-freedom watchlist: Pakistan included as 'country of particular concern' Pakistan News
    Imran Khan: Trump is pursuing the agenda of Pakistan's enemies Pakistan News

    Nawaz Sharif

    Former ISI chief summoned by Pakistan army over 'Spy Chronicles' Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)
    Pakistan's ex-ISI chief summoned over book co-authored with ex-RAW Chief India
    Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif's confession on Mumbai attacks gets Dawn blocked Pakistan News
    26/11: After hinting at Pakistan's involvement, Nawaz Sharif blames media India

    Hamid Ansari

    Modi-wave hits Rajya Sabha TV: Channel gives PM more air-time Rajya Sabha TV
    Day after truce with government, Rahul takes swipe at Modi India
    Zeenat Shahzadi, missing Pak journalist linked to Indian 'spy', found Pakistan News
    Karnataka: 80-min flights between Mysuru and Chennai from 15 Sep Karnataka
    Next News Article

    Love World News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    World Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023