Protesters Attack Geo News Central Office in Karachi
The Geo News central office in Karachi was attacked by a violent mob of protestors on Sunday.
As being reported, dozens of protesters tore down a walk-through gate and broke through the main gate of the office located on I.I. Chundrigar road.
As being reported, the comments made by analysis Irshad Bhatti in Geo News program Khabarnaak had ignited the protest against the news channel after the video clip went viral on social media.
Faheem Siddiqui Geo News Karachi bureau chief told that the protestors broke through the main gate and once inside, broke windows and beat up staff present in the building.
Geo News Karachi bureau chief added that the issue they were protesting about was a misunderstanding, adding that whatever Geo News analyst Irshad Bhatti had said on the show Khabarnaak was different from what was later reported and shared via social media.
Jang/Geo Head Quarters attacked by Mob earlier …. #Karachi pic.twitter.com/rYfzPGeUbd
— 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑴𝒊𝒓𝒛𝒂 – 𝓛𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓸 🏹 (@masood_619_) February 21, 2021
Geo News Managing Director Azhar Abbas in a tweet said, “Strongly condemn attack on offices of Geo and Jang. They vandalized the reception area and beat our Cameraman and staff. Where is the Govt?.”
Strongly condemn attack on offices of Geo and Jang. The vandalised the reception area and beat our Caneraman and staff. Where is the Govt?? pic.twitter.com/TCu5KeE2zb
— Azhar Abbas (@AzharAbbas3) February 21, 2021
Journalist and civil society is condemning the attack on the news channel office.
Strongly condemn attack on the offices of @jang_akhbar and @geonews_urdu in Karachi the man with black glasses and a mike in his hand is responsible for this attack he have the right to protest against anyone but he don’t have right of violence @RSF_inter pic.twitter.com/efeMSWK1jX
— Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) February 21, 2021
So Jang/Geo khi offices attacked today. As the police looked on. In fact, the 'protesters' are still present there. Footage being shown Geo News right now. #FreedomOfSpeech #PressFreedom
— Zebunnisa Burki (@zburki) February 21, 2021
Attack on @geonews_urdu #Karachi by socalled journalist @MushtaqSarki is highly shameful and disgraceful act. There are ways and means to record reservations through peaceful and democratic ways. Such acts will definately undermine the freedom of expression.
— Faiz Siddiqui (@faiz_siddiqui1) February 21, 2021
Highly condemnable act !!
— Raza Zaidi (@Razaazaidi) February 21, 2021
Geo & Jang group office attacked by the protesters in broad daylight against Irshad bhatti’s comment about “Sindhi’s”.
Protesters vandalised our reception area. #GeoNews pic.twitter.com/WGZREOXQAF
The channel has also broadcast a clarification of Irshad Bhatti, who hosts the program ‘Khabarnaak’.
Clarifying his stance, Irshad Bhatti said that he did not mean to disrespect the province of Sindh or Sindhi language in his show.
