Unesco condemns murder of journalist -
Pakistan Press Foundation

Unesco condemns murder of journalist

UNITED NATIONS: The Unesco on Wednesday condemned the recent death of a Pakistani journalist Mukarram Khan Aatif and called for measures to improve security conditions for reporters in the country.

According to a press release, Unesco Director-General Irina Bokova said it was essential for democracy and the rule of law that the authorities investigate this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I appeal to the authorities that this crime does not go unpunished. This would be an important step towards improving the security of journalists working in Pakistan.”

Aatif was killed on January 17 in Shabqadar. He had been a correspondent for a private television channel and also worked for a Pashto radio.

Aatif had previously been forced to move his family because of death threats he and his family had received from militant groups operating in his home region, Mohmand, the press release said.

Twenty-two journalists have been killed in Pakistan since 2002, according to Unesco figures. The agency said it is working to improve their working conditions by regularly organising activities in Pakistan to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of expression and freedom of press.

In 2010, Unesco set up training for journalists reporting in Fata with the focus on reporting in dangerous areas, security, and journalistic ethics. Last year, the agency organised workshops to reinforce the skills of more than 330 radio and press journalists who worked in small cities and rural zones.

Source: The Nation