Protests staged nationwide condemning attack on Raza Rumi

Cities across the country stage protests condemning the attack on Express News analyst and anchor Raza Rumi.

Protests were staged nationwide condemning the attack on analyst and Express News show “Khabar Se Agay” anchor Raza Rumi on Saturday, Express News reported.

This was the fifth attack on the Express Media Group.

Unidentified gunmen had opened fire on Rumi’s car in Lahore on March 28, injuring him and killing his driver. The attack had taken place just a few hundred yards away from the Express News office in Raja Market.

Members of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist (PFUJ) and Punjab Union of Journalists staged a protest in front of the Punjab Assembly on Mall Road and chanted slogans condemning the attack on Raza Rumi.

On the advice of PFUJ, demonstrations were held at Sukkur Press Club.

Black flags were waved at the Wara Press Club and journalists staged a protest rally starting from the press club till Fazil Rahu Chowk. Journalists demonstrated in other parts of interior Sindh as well, including Larkana, Jacobabad, Faiz Ganj, Thal and Daharki.

Journalists from the electronic media protested inside the Gujranwala Press Club, while others staged a rally from the press club to the DPO office.

Protests were staged in Faisalabad and Quetta as well where journalists among other people collectively gathered on the streets and condemned the attack on the Express News anchor.

Earlier on Saturday, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Philip Barton lamented the attack and said: "We condemn this attack on freedom of expression and send our support to Mr Rumi and to all journalists across the country, who continue to do a very important job in very difficult circumstances."

Barton said he was also "saddened to hear that Mr Rumi's driver has succumbed to his inures." His thoughts were with the private media group at this difficult time, he added.