CPJ expresses concern over abduction of journalist
PESHAWAR: The Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based organisation, has voiced concern over abduction of Pakistani journalist Riaz Mengal, a reporter for a regional newspaper in Khuzdar.
Mengal did not return home on October 4 and has not been seen since, according to a CPJ source and published reports. He had been receiving threats urging him to stop pursuing his investigation into the stolen vehicle trade, those sources said.
“We urge the authorities in Balochistan to investigate this case and press for Mengal’s early recovery,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon in a statement received here on Friday from New York. “Disappearance and abduction represent increasing risks for journalists working in Pakistan, and warrant immediate official response.”
In another Balochistan case, Menir Mengal has been missing since April 4. CPJ has expressed concern that Menir, an accountant, is being held for his involvement in a planned Baloch-language television programme.
Our correspondent adds: President Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) Senator (retd) Syed Faseih Iqbal also strongly denounced abduction of Riaz Mengal sometime back and demanded of the authorities to ensure his safe recovery immediately. In a statement issued here the other day, the CPNE president said it is regrettable that the media persons are being subjected to such treatment in the society, and the government most of the time seems oblivious to the situation. The worst examples of which were the incidents that took place in Islamabad and Peshawar.
He said that the kidnapping of Riaz Mengal is not tolerable, and he must be recovered immediately. The CPNE president said that the government should ensure protection of the media persons guaranteeing true press freedom. It is the responsibility of the state to provide an environment conducive to the media persons to perform their professional duties without any fear, he said.
Source: Dawn
Date:10/13/2007
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