Actor Tahir Anjum
LAHORE: A female worker of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), along with others, assaulted stage actor Tahir Anjum after storming his vehicle as he was passing through the party’s hunger strike camp outside the Punjab Assembly.
The enraged party worker, who was at the protest to support her leaders, ripped one of his sleeves while trying to drag him out.
The PTI supporter, accused of viciously pounding and cursing the actor, who is also Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Cultural Wing’s president, was identified as Aneela Jutt aka “Neeli Pari.”
Aneela alleged that Anjum used to post derogatory videos to malign incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, dubbing him a “terrorist.”
Videos of the incident flooded social media, showing the PTI activist hurling abuses at the stage actor as he fiercely fought to stay inside his car, with the sleeve of his right arm reduced to tatters.
Some cops and bystanders intervened to stop Aneela, but to no avail, as she refused to give in and resisted the security personnel, ignoring their warnings and entreaties to let Anjum leave the scene. After much rumpus, Anjum managed to flee the riot.
Later, speaking to journalists, the actor expressed outrage over the incident and claimed that the PTI’s bullies did not even care that his children were also in the car with him. He slammed the PTI workers for resorting to “hooliganism” like members of a “terrorist outfit” and for buffeting him.
Before leaving the scene, Anjum also denied posting videos against the PTI founder or doing anything illegal to trigger such an attack.
The incident took place outside the Punjab Assembly building, where the Imran-founded party is staging its second token hunger strike protest after Islamabad demanding the release of arrested PTI leaders.
Anjum recounted the harrowing experience, highlighting how the altercation escalated quickly. The PTI activist, Aneela Jutt, seemed determined to exact revenge on Anjum, citing his alleged defamatory videos against Imran Khan as her motive.
Despite police and onlookers’ attempts to defuse the situation, Aneela’s aggression was unrelenting. Anjum described the sheer terror he felt, especially with his children present during the assault.
The altercation has ignited a wave of discussions on social media, with many expressing shock and condemnation over the violent behavior displayed by the PTI supporters. The incident has also raised questions about the safety and protection of individuals who are caught in the crossfire of political protests and demonstrations.
As the videos of the incident continue to circulate online, the public reaction remains divided, with some condemning the assault while others justify Aneela’s actions as a response to perceived provocations.
The PTI’s hunger strike outside the Punjab Assembly, aimed at demanding the release of their arrested leaders, has now gained additional attention due to this violent encounter.
This incident underscores the volatile political climate in Pakistan and the intense emotions that political affiliations can provoke. Anjum’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by public figures who become targets of political vendettas.
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