Pakistan: Journalist Shot and Killed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhuwa | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Pakistan: Journalist Shot and Killed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhuwa

Pakistan Press Foundation

Ayub Khan Khattak, 42, reporter of a local newspaper “Karak Times” was shot dead outside his home by two gunmen, on October 11, 2013 in Karak district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhuwa province of Pakistan.

The gunmen, waiting on a motorcycle, opened fire on Khattak as he was returning home with his son at around six in the evening after offering prayer. He died on the spot and the attackers fled the scene.

A criminal complaint (FIR) has been registered by Shams-ur-Rehman, the son of slain journalist, who was the eye witness of his father’s killing, against Ameenullah and Khob Niaz.

Malick Arshad, President Khyber Union of Journalists KUJ told Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) that Khattak published news against the drug mafia that could be the reason of his killing as the accused were involved in many cases of robbery and drugs selling.

While Muhammad Aslam Khattak, Inspector of Latamber Police Station, where the murder case was filed, told PPF that both the accused were caught few days ago in a robbery case and were later released on bail. Khattak published that story in his newspaper and this could be the cause behind his killing. He said police is investigating the accused could be arrested soon.

The Karak Union of Journalists strongly condemned the murder of Khattak.. In an emergency meeting it demanded police to arrest the killers of to provide security to the working journalists in the district. They took out protest rally and warned of launching protest demonstrations if the killers were not arrested.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also condemned the killing of Khattak and demanded prompt action by the government against killers.

Khattak leaves behind a widow and two sons.

Pakistan Press Foundation