IFJ outraged by journalist’s murder in Balochistan
ISLAMABAD: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Thursday demanded an immediate investigation into the murder of journalist Abdul Hameed Hayatan in Balochistan, including a full inquiry into allegations of involvement of Pakistani security agencies.
The body of Hayatan, 25, was found in the village of Hiroonk, near Turbat, in the southwest, on November 18. Known also as Lala Hammed Baloch, Hayatan was found dead in a canal alongside his friend, Hamid Ismail, after they disappeared from their home town of Gwadar, on October 25, according to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).
Hayatan had been shot in the head and chest and appeared to have been tortured. A note found with the bodies of Hayatan and Ismail said “A gift of Eid for the Balochs”. Local media reported that Hayatan, a reporter with Daily Intekhab and a founder of the Gwadar Press Club, was allegedly abducted with his friend by state security agents.
Hayatan was also reported to be active in the Balochistan nationalist movement. The murder of Hayatan brings to 11 the total number of reported deaths of media workers in Pakistan this year. Four of these deaths have been in Balochistan.
The Balochistan Union of Journalists, an affiliate of the PFUJ, has long agitated for full inquiries into the murders of media personnel in Balochistan, and appropriate protection to be provided by authorities.
However, authorities have made no arrests for murders of media personnel in the province, including the case of Chisti Mujahid, who was shot dead in Quetta in February 2008.
Source: Daily Times
Date:11/26/2010
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