June 3, 2025
By Rehan Piracha
LAHORE
Pir Muhammad Sadiq Qureshi, one of the contested custodians of the Luari Sharif shrine in Badin district, has apologised for his group’s violent attack on the Badin Press Club, where they attempted to disrupt a press conference held by a rival faction on June 2.
Badin Press Club President Shoukat Memon confirmed the apology in a conversation with Voicepk on Tuesday. According to Memon, armed followers of Pir Muhammad Sadiq Qureshi stormed the press club to stop a press briefing by Mir Tariq Talpur, who heads the opposing group in the shrine custodianship dispute.
“The attackers hurled stones and bricks at the building, scaled the walls, and forcibly entered the premises,” Memon said. They also assaulted journalists who tried to prevent them from reaching Talpur and others speaking at the event.
Police swiftly intervened, dispersing the assailants. Journalists at the club condemned the attack and demanded action against the perpetrators. Police later detained eight suspects.
He added that the club demanded an apology from Chairman Municipal Committee Badin, Pir Muhammad Saleh Qureshi. “He was asked for an apology yesterday, and today he visited the club and apologised,” Memon said.
Following the attack, an emergency joint meeting of journalists from the Badin Press Club and Aiwan-i-Sahafat had condemned the assault, terming it an “act of terrorism.” They had announced a district-wide protest and a blackout on coverage of events organised by the group involved in the attack.
Speaking to Voicepk, Memon said that during a district-level meeting of journalists held on June 3 (Tuesday), participants unanimously agreed to accept the apology and suspend the planned protest.
Memon stated that the club accepted the apology and would not pursue charges against the detained suspects. “Press club officials will visit the police station to formally withdraw the complaint,” he added.
Memon noted that the rival groups have been locked in a violent feud over the shrine’s custodianship for over four decades, resulting in numerous casualties. The shrine has remained sealed since 1984 following deadly clashes, with repeated government efforts to reopen it for renovation and annual Urs celebrations failing due to persistent tensions.
Beyond shrine-related violence, Memon highlighted threats faced by journalists in small towns like Badin, particularly from the provincial government. “Reporters are pressured to avoid criticism of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led administration and are often dictated what to cover,” he said.
The Freedom Network Pakistan, a media watchdog, has raised alarms over declining press freedom in the country, citing the increasing use of the PECA law to suppress dissent. Its April report documented 12 incidents of threats and intimidation against journalists.