ISLAMABAD: A young journalist associated with a private news channel, Watan Zaib, survived an assassination attempt on Thursday, prompting strong condemnation from journalist unions and media organisations, who demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of the attackers.

According to details, Watan Zaib was returning home from his office when unknown assailants opened fire on him near his residence in Hostel City. He was hit by a bullet in the shoulder and sustained injuries, while the attackers managed to flee the scene.

Media bodies expressed serious concern over the rising number of violent attacks targeting journalists in the country. They said such incidents are unacceptable and represent a direct assault on press freedom. The journalist community urged authorities to arrest the culprits at the earliest and ensure they face the harshest legal consequences.

The injured journalist was shifted to a hospital where doctors confirmed that his condition is now out of danger.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and have begun collecting evidence from the crime scene in an effort to trace and apprehend the suspects.