Islamabad journalist Saadullah Sial critically injured in aerial firing incident

ISLAMABAD —( M.Saleem Jutt)

Senior journalist and diplomatic reporter Saadullah Sial was critically injured in an aerial firing incident in the capital late Saturday.

Eyewitnesses said Sial was sitting with friends at a hotel in Gulberg Green when a stray bullet grazed his head and pierced his shoulder. He was rushed to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and later referred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) due to his critical condition. Doctors said he requires urgent and intensive medical treatment.

The attack has sparked outrage among journalist unions and civil society groups, who condemned the incident and demanded swift action from the authorities. “If a senior journalist is not safe in Islamabad, what about ordinary citizens?” media representatives asked.

The incident has also raised serious questions about Islamabad police performance, as the city continues to witness frequent cases of aerial firing, robberies, kidnappings, and violent crimes. Critics allege police attention is often diverted to political activities rather than public safety.

Journalist bodies have called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Interior Minister to take immediate notice and hold the Inspector General of Islamabad Police accountable.