PML-F security men assault Tribune staffer

Pir Yasir Shah says he will take notice of his guards’ attitude

KARACHI: A staffer of The Express Tribune, Zubair Ashraf, was assaulted by private security guards escorting the Pakistan Muslim League – Functional leader Pir Yasir Shah Saturday evening.

Pir Yasir’s convoy was crossing Korangi Road at around 7pm, when the incident took place.

His black Toyota Land Cruiser was escorted by seven to eight Vigos and mobile vans, with dozens of armed private guards.

According to Ashraf, he along with his colleague photojournalist Athar Khan, were heading to the office pillion riding a motorcycle, when the rashly driven vehicles in the convoy of Shah tried to overtake all other motorists in front of the National Medical Centre (NMC) Hospital.



Many motorists, mostly motorcycle riders, narrowly escaped being hit by the escort vehicles, as they kept pushing everyone aside to secure Shah, who was driving the vehicle himself.

When riders tried to argue, the guards started threatening the public and a guard pointed a gun at Ashraf while another two started beating him with batons.

An FIR was lodged against the PML-F leader later on Saturday night. Special teams were also constituted for the arrest for those involved in the incident.

Later, when contacted by The Express Tribune, the PML-F Karachi chapter president admitted that the vehicle belonged to him and he was driving it.

He expressed his ignorance about the incident of manhandling of Ashraf, but said he will take notice of his guards’ attitude.

Condemning the incident, Shah said he held high regards for the journalist community.

“I think it will be better to blame my security after an inquiry,” he said.

Shah also promised to take action against any security guard if they were involved in the incident.