Mutilated body of missing journalist found | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Mutilated body of missing journalist found

Pakistan Press Foundation

The body of a missing journalist, Haji Abdul Razzak Baloch, a copy editor for the Balochi-language newspaper “Daily Tawaar” was found on August 21, 2013 from Karachi, the capital of Sindh province. Baloch was missing from Karachi since March 24, 2013. No one has yet claimed the responsibility and the reson for his abduction and murder could not be assertained. The Daily Tawar, whose headquarters are in Quetta, the capital city Balochistan is a pro-Baloch nationalist newspaper that acts as a voice for secessionist groups of Balochistan province. The paper is known for its coverage of the many conflicts between these groups and the government.

Ms Saeeda Sarbazi, younger sister of deceased Baloch identified the body as her brother by the clothes he was wearing when he went missing and his feet since only that part of his body was identifiable. The corpse was found from the city outskirts in the remit of Surjani Town police station. The family of Baloch alleged that he was picked up by the personnel of security forces while he was on his way to his office and despite approaching police, courts, human rights organisations and national press, they found no clue of him until Aug 21. Sarbazi alleged that Baloch was a writer and had nothing to do with militancy.

Talking to Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), Pervaiz Shaukat, President Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemned the attack and demanded the government institute an independent inquiry into the abduction and the killing of Bloch. Irfan Saeed, President Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) said it is alarming that journalists are being targeted and their lives are at stake while performing their professional responsibilities. He said there was a need for comprehensive security plan and strategy so that they can work in a conducive atmosphere.

Pakistan Press Foundation


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