Source (Pamir Times) Office of a newspaper, “Daily K2″, has been attacked by a gang of around 15 people in Skardu, the headquarter of Baltistan division. The attackers broke into the office and tied the security guard to chair, before smashing the furniture and fixtures.

Daily k2 website http://www.dailyk2.com

A source at Karakuram Publishing Network (KPN) told that the police did not show up despite of being in vicinity of the office. He blamed Chief Minister Mehdi Shah for the attack, saying the attackers were his men. It is pertinent to note that earlier an employee of of K2 had been detained by the police. The police had also raided office of KPN and taken several files and records with them. The tussle has started after Daily K2 reported an incident of gang rape in Rondu, which the alleged ‘victim’ later denied at the Supreme Appellate Court. Police sources have said that the raid was conducted according to court orders. The latest attack on Daily K2 has shocked the journalist fraternity across Gilgit – Baltistan and Pakistan, who have condemned the action and termed it to be equal to suppressing the right of free speech. Journalists in Gilgit have, reportedly, announced to stage a protest demonstration in front of the Chief Minister House, located next to the Gilgit – Baltistan Legislative Assembly (GBLA).