UD is working on permission to visit Kadafi Zaman in jail

Ministry of Foreign Affairs aid moneyMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. Photo: Statsbygg

The Foreign Ministry was working on Sunday to get permission from Pakistani authorities to visit TV 2 reporter Kadafi Zaman in jail.

 

The profiled journalist was detained and imprisoned on Friday while reporting on a demonstration in the north of the country for TV 2. Zaman, together with 38 others, were arrested for attempted murder. He was also charged for taking mobil phones from four policemen, tearing a uniform to a police officer and disturbance.

NTB is informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) that they are working to get the necessary permits to go from Islamabad to the city of Gujrat north of Pakistan to visit TV-reporter Kadafi Zaman in jail.

Aftenposten has visited Zaman on Sunday at the police station in Gujrat.

“I was filming the demonstration when I was surrounded by the police. I picked up my press card, but they would not look at it once. I was struck by several police officers and arrested,” said Zaman to Aftenposten.

Aftenposten’s journalist observed visible bruises and bumps on Zaman’s hands and arms. The UD says that they are in contact with the Pakistani authorities at different levels.

“We are in dialogue with Pakistani authorities on several levels. Our main concern is to ensure that Zaman’s rights are being taken care of. We are working hard to follow up this matter. The Embassy in Islamabad is in contact with the person, his family and employer and provides consular assistance,” says Communications Manager Frode O. Andersen of the UD to NTB.

 

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today