Journalist lodges assault complaint against Aleema, Panjotha

Workers manhandle journalists outside Adiala Jail days after PTI founder’s sister was hit with eggs

Journalist Tayyab Baloch, who was allegedly manhandled by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers, has filed an application at Rawalpindi’s Saddar Bairooni police station for registration of a case against party leaders and workers.

In his application, the journalist alleged that PTI leaders and workers, on the behest of party lawyer Naeem Panjotha, attacked journalists during the media interaction. He claimed that MPA Tanveer Aslam, Azfar, and Toma grabbed him, after which over 40 unidentified PTI workers—led by Intisar Satti—beat him.

Baloch further stated that the PTI workers snatched his mobile phone and and borke the mic during the assault, adding two other journalists, Ejaz Ahmed and Faisal Hakeem, were also thrashed when they tried to intervene.

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In his complaint, Baloch maintained that Aleema Khan was angered by his question regarding her alleged US properties and later orchestrated a smear campaign against him on social media.

He alleged that his pictures, along with those of other journalists, were circulated online as part of the campaign. “This was a pre-planned attack,” Baloch claimed and demanded legal action against Aleema Khan, Naeem Panjotha, Intisar Satti, and others.

PTI workers clash with journalists at Aleema Khan’s press briefing

A media talk by Aleema Khan outside Adiala Jail descended into chaos on Monday, as party workers turned on journalists for asking tough questions.

Tensions had been running high since last week’s incident, when two women hurled eggs at Aleema during a press conference at the same venue. The egg-throwing episode was reportedly triggered by journalist Tayyab Baloch’s sharp questions, which went unanswered at the time.

Determined to prevent a repeat of the embarrassment, PTI workers allegedly tried to take control from the start of Monday’s presser, blocking Tayyab from asking questions.

However, the journalist persisted with the same queries as before, sparking outrage among the workers. The situation quickly escalated into pushing and shoving, with Tayyab bearing the brunt of the assault.

وہ کون تھا جس نے علیمہ خان کو پریس کانفرنس کرنے سے روکا؟ اڈیالہ کے باہر کیا ہوا؟ مکمل ویڈیو دیکھیں#ExpressNews #BreakingNews #AleemaKhan #AdialaJail #PTI #Journalist #TayyabBaloch #ViralVideo #LatestNews #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/lgoUqB1qFY

— Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) September 8, 2025

Ironically, no senior PTI leader intervened to calm the workers as they manhandled journalists. In protest, the media fraternity boycotted Aleema’s briefing, citing the party’s failure to curb the misconduct of its workers and its leadership’s indifferent attitude.

Last week’s egg-hurling incident had already put PTI in the spotlight. According to a Rawalpindi police spokesperson, the two women involved—reportedly affiliated with PTI—were taken into custody after Aleema refused to answer questions during the earlier press talk.

Journalists have repeatedly pressed Aleema to respond to allegations raised by mmar Solangi in a tweet, accusing her of purchasing properties using donation funds. Tayyab claimed he faced an orchestrated social media campaign and even threats after raising the issue during last week’s interaction.

Aleema Khan is struck by an egg during a media talk on Friday. Photo: NNI

Meanwhile, the attack on Aleema drew sharp criticism across the political divide, with both treasury and opposition lawmakers condemning the egg-throwing incident.

Shoes and ink were thrown, and abuses hurled at our leaders at the behest of PTI. I myself even survived an assassination attempt fueled by PTI hate campaign. Yet, I unequivocally condemn this incident. Politics must remain a contest of ideas, not of violence or hatred. We should… https://t.co/fYACyLT9l9

— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) September 5, 2025