Protests over reporter's killing

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 3 October 2012

Nationwide protests erupted in response to the assassination of Abdul Haq Baluch, a reporter in Balochistan. The incident underscores the dangers journalists face in the region.

Summary

QUETTA: Journalists staged protest rallies across the country Tuesday to condemn the killing of a television reporter in insurgency-torn Balochistan.

Police said Abdul Haq Baluch, 37, who worked for ARY TV, was shot late Saturday while driving home in the town of Khuzdar, 230 kilometres (145 miles) south of the provincial capital Quetta.

Journalists said masked men opened fire on his car around 100 yards from the local press club. Police officer Abdul Qadir Kamrani told AFP that Baluch died of his injuries en route to hospital.

Police have registered a case against "unidentified gunmen".

Farooq Faisal, president of the National Press Club, Islamabad said journalists were protesting against extremely difficult working conditions in Balochistan and northwest Pakistan, where a Taliban insurgency is concentrated.

"Armed groups are threatening journalists but the government is taking no step for their protection," Faisal told AFP.

Nadeem Gorgnari, president of the Khuzdar Press Club, said Baluch and the club had received threatening telephone calls.

Interior Minister Rehman Mali met journalists in Islamabad and said a judicial commission would investigate the killing, promising a reward of Rs2.5 million for anyone who helps to identify the killers.- AFP
 

KEY POINTS:

• Abdul Haq Baluch, 37, was shot while driving home in Khuzdar.
• Masked gunmen targeted Baluch's car near the local press club.
• Protests demand better protection for journalists in conflict zones.
• Interior Minister promises investigation and reward for information.
• Journalists express concern over threats from armed groups.