Islamabad: Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) is alarmed by incidents of violence against journalists and damage to their property that took place during protests which erupted on March 1 across cities of Pakistan following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. We urge media professionals to ensure they have safety plans in place and conduct a risk assessment when heading for such coverage.

Protests took place near the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad resulting in at least two deaths. Journalist Asad Ali Toor and Al Jazeera journalist Abid Hussayn suffered injuries in the protest coverage. Footage shared on X showed Toor recording a video with a cut visible on his nose and what appears to be blood stains on his shirt.

Protests also erupted outside the US Consulate General in Karachi resulting in the death of 11 people. Speaking to PPF, Dawn-White Star photographer Shakil Adil recounted that he was present near the consulate in the afternoon, covering the event, when a large and aggressive crowd advanced toward him. Fearing for his life, he abandoned his motorcycle and fled to safety.

His motorcycle was struck during the chaos and was later set on fire by protesters. He, along with his colleagues, sought refuge at the Karachi Press Club (KPC).

The KPC has strongly condemned the incident. KPC President Fazil Jamili urged the government to take effective and practical measures for journalists’ protection.

Speaking to PPF, a photojournalist with the Agence France-Presse (AFP), Muhammad Asif Hasan, said that he was covering the area around the US consulate, and after finishing his coverage, when he returned to the parking lot where he had parked his bike, it was missing. He tried searching nearby, but the area was completely clear. He has no idea whether the bike has been damaged, taken by the police, or stolen by someone else. He immediately called 15 from the spot and tried to register an online complaint, but no formal complaint has been registered so far.

Separately, other incidents have been shared on social media platforms. Samaa TV broadcast journalist Kiran Naz took to X to share footage of her car sunroof damaged.