Journalists Protest Pindi Police Abuse of RIUJ President Tariq Virk 

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: A serious case of police high-handedness has surfaced in Rawalpindi, where the President of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), Tariq Ali Virk, was unlawfully detained, insulted, and physically assaulted inside the New Town Police Station.

The incident has sparked outrage across media circles and raised concerns about abuse of power and lack of accountability within Punjab’s law enforcement agencies.

According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation began when a journalist visited the police station to submit a legal application.

 The situation took a turn for the worse when SHO Tayyab Baig and his subordinates allegedly intervened aggressively over a minor issue and assaulted the journalist. 

When RIUJ President Tariq Ali Virk arrived to mediate, he was initially engaged in conversation — but without warning, multiple officers grabbed him, dragged him to the lockup, and stripped him of his personal belongings.

Videos circulating on social media and eyewitness accounts confirm that Virk was manhandled without provocation. 

In a shocking display of arrogance, SHO Baig was reportedly heard mocking the union leader, saying, “Let’s see how big of a President he is. We’ve seen many.” Police officers also reportedly threatened protesters who had gathered outside the station in solidarity.

Joint Secretary of RIUJ, senior journalist Gulzar Khan, condemned the incident, terming it “an attack on the institution of journalism and freedom of the press.” He said this was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation against media professionals in the region.

Despite urgent calls made to senior officials, including the City Police Officer (CPO), no immediate action was taken. Virk remained detained until the early hours of the morning. Another journalist, Naeem Minhas, was also held and released only after personal surety was provided.

The Inspector General of Punjab Police has since announced an inquiry into the incident, stating that those responsible would be “closed” (transferred to inactive duty). However, the official press release only mentioned two low-ranking officers, while SHO Tayyab Baig — believed to be the central figure behind the incident — was not named.

Journalist unions and rights groups have condemned the omission as a cover-up and demanded the immediate suspension and arrest of SHO Baig. 

Gulzar Khan warned that if senior officials are not held accountable, such incidents will continue unchecked. “If this can happen to a union president inside a police station, imagine the plight of ordinary citizens. We will not stay silent,” he added.

The journalist community, along with civil society organisations, has vowed to pursue legal and institutional action until justice is served. The incident has reignited debate about the need for urgent police reforms in Punjab and the protection of press freedom in Pakistan.