Raoof Hasan, PTI spokesperson, injured in an attack in Islamabad.

PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan was injured in an attack in Islamabad on Tuesday.

“Very shameful and reprehensible!!” the party declared in a post on X. Video footage shared by the party showed Hasan bleeding from his face, with anchor Shahid Masood by his side.

“This despicable act of violence is an attack on free speech, democracy, and the rule of law.

“Such disgraceful tactics will not deter Raoof Hasan or PTI from our mission. Attempts to intimidate or silence us will only strengthen our resolve to fight for a just and equitable society,” the party stated, noting that the attack took place outside the office of a private media channel.

“Such disgraceful tactics will not deter Raoof Hasan or PTI from our mission. Attempts to intimidate or silence us will only strengthen our resolve to fight for a just and equitable society,” the party stated, noting that the attack took place outside the office of a private media channel.

A statement from the Islamabad police spokesperson reported that Raoof Hasan was attacked with a blade outside the office of a private TV channel. “Hasan was attacked on the face with a blade by transgenders, according to eyewitnesses,” the statement said.

The police confirmed they were on the scene collecting evidence. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” it added.

Senior Superintendent of Police Hassan Jahangir Wattoo stated that footage of the incident was being analyzed and further details would be shared with the media in due course.

CCTV footage posted by PTI appeared to corroborate the police account, showing Hasan being attacked by four individuals who seemed to be from the transgender community.

The party also questioned who was the “ringleader” behind the assailants.

In today’s Senate session, Leader of the Opposition Shibli Faraz raised the incident and demanded an immediate response from Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Faraz emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating that the physical attack on the spokesperson of Pakistan’s largest party was unacceptable.

Faraz urged the law minister to express his opinion on the matter and issue relevant orders. PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar announced that the party would stage a walkout.

In response, Tarar stated that various aspects of the case must be addressed in accordance with the law. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure that citizens are treated according to the law. Tarar mentioned that legal proceedings would follow any report filed by the aggrieved party. He also promised to share information from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the Islamabad police chief shortly.

“unknown persons was a sign of cowardice and panic”

Hammad Azhar

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui also strongly condemned the attack on behalf of his party and the treasury benches. He asserted, “You cannot silence someone through such fascist tactics, and such incidents only serve to elevate the stature of the other party.”