HRC-AJK expresses deep concern over the Azad Kashmir police chief’s conduct toward journalist Haider Sherazi during a press interaction outside Parliament House.
The Human Rights Council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (HRC-AJK) has expressed serious concern over an incident involving the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Azad Kashmir and journalist Haider Sherazi during a media interaction outside Parliament House in Islamabad.
According to the council, the altercation and the tone used in the widely circulated video are alarming. Questioning public officeholders is a fundamental professional responsibility of journalists, the HRC-AJK stated, emphasizing that even when faced with difficult or critical inquiries, officials must maintain composure, respect, and professional etiquette.
The council stated that snatching a microphone or adopting an inappropriate demeanor in response to a question does not uphold positive traditions regarding press freedom and institutional dignity.
Relations between state institutions and the media must be built on mutual respect, accountability, and the rule of law, the statement noted. The council urged the relevant authorities to review the incident and ensure that journalists can perform their professional duties without fear or undue pressure.