IFJ condemns killing of journalist Bakshish Elahi

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 12 June 2017

Bakshish Elahi, Bureau Chief of K-2 Times, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in Haripur. The IFJ and local journalist unions are demanding immediate justice.

Summary

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Monday strongly condemned the killing of a senior journalist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, June 11.

The IFJ demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of gunmen to ensure justice.

Bakshish Elahi, the Bureau Chief of K-2 Times Urdu daily newspaper in Haripur was shot dead by unknown motorbike-borne gunmen near his home at Lora Chowk, Haripur. The gunmen fled the scene after firing five shots at Elahi, one of which hit his head and others his chest and stomach.

Haripur Press Club protested the killing and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists, the National Press Club, Islamabad and other journalist unions have condemned the killing.

The IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: “We condemn the killing of Bakshish Elahi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The targeted killing of yet another journalist is sad news as Pakistan has failed to improve the security for journalists despite seeing hundreds of journalists and media staff being brutally killed over the last few years. The IFJ demands strong action from Pakistan government to ensure justice to Elahi.” - IFJ media release

KEY POINTS:

• Bakshish Elahi shot dead near his home in Haripur.
• IFJ condemns the killing and demands justice.
• Local journalist unions protested the attack.
• Gunmen fled after shooting Elahi multiple times.
• Pakistan struggles to ensure safety for journalists.