ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Police have arrested the alleged main suspect and registered a First Information Report (FIR) following multiple reported assaults on journalist Ehtasham Ali Abbasi in the federal capital.
According to police officials, the arrest followed a video statement in which Abbasi publicly described the incidents outside Aabpara Police Station. Police have also conducted raids at different locations to apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the attacks.
Abbasi said the first incident took place outside the FIA Islamabad Zonal Office in Melody, where he had gone in connection with official work. He alleged that a man identified as Munawwar, accompanied by several individuals, assaulted him and caused injuries.
The journalist subsequently approached police and was taken to PIMS Hospital for a medical examination. According to his account, the same group allegedly confronted him again at the hospital and attacked him despite the presence of police personnel.
Police register FIR, arrest suspect
Islamabad Police confirmed that the principal suspect had been taken into custody and that an FIR had been registered at Aabpara Police Station.
Senior police officers are reportedly monitoring the investigation, while police teams continue conducting raids to locate the remaining suspects.
Abbasi said police officers responded promptly and assured him that the matter would be dealt with according to law. He also appreciated the role of senior police officials, including the SP City and Inspector General Islamabad Police, in the proceedings.
The journalist alleged that the accused was a property dealer and claimed that he had a criminal record. He also rejected any suggestion that the incident involved a dispute between journalists or lawyers.
Journalist to pursue legal proceedings
Abbasi thanked Islamabad Police for registering the FIR and making an arrest. He said he would pursue the remaining proceedings before the courts in accordance with the law.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security of journalists in Islamabad, with media circles calling for effective protection of media professionals and a transparent investigation into attacks against journalists.
Police have not yet publicly disclosed the FIR number or detailed charges. The investigation remains ongoing, while efforts to arrest the remaining suspects continue.
