KARACHI: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Pakistan affiliate have condemned the armed attack on journalist Ihsan Khattak’s residence in Bannu, urging the government to launch a thorough investigation and end what they termed a culture of impunity surrounding violence against the media.
Unidentified assailants had opened fire at the residence of journalist Ihsan Khattak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on February 12, following a series of reported threats against him.
Local police said the attackers targeted the main gate of Khattak’s property in Kotka Jandar Khel village shortly after he entered, damaging the gate and outer walls. Khattak, a correspondent for ARY News and former president of the Bannu Press Club, escaped unhurt and no casualties were reported.
In its statement, the IFJ said Khattak, who frequently covers crime and terrorism in the region, had earlier complained of repeated threats. On February 5, three armed men on a motorcycle allegedly followed him after a reporting assignment. He had previously relocated to Islamabad in 2017 after receiving threats, and sought protection from Saddar Police Station. According to him, the intimidation resumed after his return to Bannu in 2023.
Station House Officer Allah Nawaz Khan of Bannu City Police Station confirmed that a case has been registered and investigation is underway. Police later advised Khattak to adopt additional security measures.
