Khursheed Shah visits Ahmad Noorani, condemns attack

ISLAMABAD: Opposition leader in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah on Saturday visited senior journalist Ahmad Noorani, who is under treatment at PIMS hospital after suffering an assault by unidentified attackers in the federal capital yesterday.

Speaking to media on the occasion, Shah condemned the attack on The News journalist and called on the government and authorities to catch the culprits immediately.

“The [attack] is regrettable. Such incidents must not be tolerated any further,” said Shah.

The opposition leader said Ahmad Noorani always stood up for truth. “The truth cannot be silenced by [such violence],” he added.

The senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader was accompanied by PPP senator Rubina Khalid during his visit.

Earlier, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also visited PIMS to enquire about Noorani's health. The party chief condemned the attack and said there is a need to protect journalists.

Noorani's car was stopped by three men travelling on a motorcycle near Zero Point Interchange while he was on his way home in Islamabad from Rawalpindi on Friday.

Journalist Ahmad Noorani attacked in Islamabad

Six unidentified attackers beat up the senior journalist and his driver near Zero Point

The three men got down from their unmarked motorcycle after chasing down Noorani's car while another three, who were standing where the car was stopped with another unmarked motorcycle, joined in and severely beat up Noorani and his driver with iron rods after throwing out the keys from the ignition.

Out of danger now, Noorani's medical tests are under way. He suffered head wounds and has swelling on the left side of his neck.