Senior Journalist Nisar Lehri Shot Dead in Mastung
Nisar Lehri, a senior journalist associated with a news agency and secretary of the Mastung Press Club, was shot dead in the GulKand area of Mastung, Balochistan, on September 4. Police confirmed that Lehri was ambushed near his under-construction house, with early investigations linking his murder to a land dispute.
Lehri, known for community service, was reportedly targeted after his morning prayer routine and a walk. According to Faiz Durani, President of the Sarawan Press Club, who spoke to the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), members of his tribe had warned Lehri not to proceed with the construction of his house, which was located along a road leading to the local graveyard. Despite these warnings, Lehri began building a wall around the property to protect his investment, which appears to have made him a target.
Durani recounted the tragic details of the attack, stating that Lehri was gunned down by assailants lying in wait near his construction site. Two bullets struck him in the chest, while three more hit his legs. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Lehri’s sudden death has shocked the local press community, with fellow journalists mourning the loss of a man widely admired for his integrity and professionalism.
The president of the Mastung Press Club, Faiz Durani, expressed outrage over the killing, calling for the immediate arrest of the culprits. “This is not just an attack on Nisar Lehri; it’s an attack on journalism and the right to free expression,” Durani stated, demanding swift justice.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Mastung confirmed that police raids are underway to apprehend the suspects involved in the killing. However, an FIR had not yet been registered at the time of reporting, raising concerns about the speed of the investigation.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) strongly condemned the murder of Nisar Lehri, urging the government to arrest his killers.
In separate statements issued, President of PFUJ Afzal Butt, Secretary General Arshad Ansari, and President Balochistan Union of Journalists criticized the Balochistan government for failing to protect journalists, citing numerous media killings in the province. They warned that Lehri’s murder would heighten fears among media workers.
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