CCTV Footage Confirms Armed Attackers; Victim Appeals to Top Authorities for Justice
Karachi: In a deeply troubling incident, senior journalist Sudheer Jokhio was targeted in two attempted abductions within hours near Iqra University, Defence View, Karachi. The attackers, armed and traveling in a silver Alto car (Number Plate: BUY 994), physically assaulted Jokhio and tried to force him into their vehicle. Despite the severity of the attack, police failed to respond in time, raising serious concerns about public safety and police apathy.
Timeline of Events
First Attempt — Midnight Assault Near Iqra IT Park
At approximately 12:36 AM, Jokhio was followed by four to five armed men in a silver Alto. When he stopped near Iqra IT Park, the assailants attacked him and tried to abduct him. Fortunately, a crowd began to gather, allowing the journalist to flee into a nearby building where he locked himself inside to avoid further harm.
Police Helpline Unresponsive
Despite urgently calling the police emergency helpline (15) multiple times, Jokhio received no response for over 20 minutes. When the call was finally answered, the response was dismissive:
“There’s nothing we can do now, the suspects must have fled.”
Second Attempt — Suspects Return While En Route to Police Station
Later that night, Jokhio contacted the SHO of Baloch Colony Police Station, who asked him to visit in person. While heading there, he noticed the same suspicious vehicle following him again. Thankfully, he reached the station safely — but the nightmare didn’t end there.
Police Allegedly Refuse to Register Complaint
Upon arrival at the police station, Jokhio was allegedly denied entry and refused assistance. Officers declined to file a report, and only after contacting the SHO again was he told to return the next morning to pursue the case.
Appeal to Authorities for Immediate Action
Jokhio has appealed to:
- Chief Minister of Sindh
- Federal Interior Minister
- Sindh Home Minister
- Inspector General of Sindh Police
He urged them to take swift action against those involved in the kidnapping attempts and to hold negligent police officials accountable.
CCTV Footage Confirms the Incident
CCTV footage from the area has been secured, clearly showing the faces of the assailants, which could play a crucial role in the investigation.
Public Concern Grows Over Journalist Safety
This incident has sparked outrage and concern within the journalistic community, with calls growing louder for enhanced protections for media professionals and accountability for law enforcement agencies.
