South Asian Free Media Association, South Asia Media Commission outraged at Khuzdar journalist’s killing | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

South Asian Free Media Association, South Asia Media Commission outraged at Khuzdar journalist’s killing

LAHORE: South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) and South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) have condemned the killing of a television reporter in Balochistan and called for an investigation into the murder.

Police said Abdul Haq, who worked for a private TV channel, was shot while driving home around 100 yards from the local press club in Khuzdar, 230 kilometres south of Quetta.

“Journalists have been continuously targeted over the last few years. Authorities must act swiftly to end this cycle of violence and impunity,” SAFMA Secretary General Imtiaz Alam and SAMC President Kumar Ketkar said in a joint statement.

“SAFMA and SAMC support calls for an immediate inquiry into the death of Abdul Haq Baloch, 37, who was also the general secretary of Khuzdar Press Club, and all other journalists abducted, tortured and killed in Balochistan. It has become virtually impossible to report independently,” the heads of the media rights bodies said.

“Threats to the safety of journalists, especially those working in the conflict areas are mounting. The authorities should work towards ensuring that the journalists work in a safe environment and do not become victims of anti-media attacks,” they said.

“Balochistan is a dangerous place for journalists to work in. Haq is the 22nd journalist to have lost his life in the line of duty in the restive province.”

Daily Times