Journalist Kashif Hussain murdered in Hafizabad

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 14 August 2021 |  IFJ Media Release

Kashif Hussain, a journalist, was killed in Hafizabad on August 10, causing outrage in the media community. Authorities have begun an investigation into the murder.

Summary

Pakistani journalist Kashif Hussain was killed in Vanike Tarrar, a small town in Hafizabad district.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) have urged the Pakistan authorities to proceed with the investigation and arrest the culprit responsible.

Hussain was murdered late at night on August 10. He was a correspondent for Daily Khabrain and Daily Qomi Akhbar. Hussain had been living separately from the rest of his family and was found dead in his own home. His throat was cut with a sharp instrument. Local civilians have reported that they are deeply frightened as a result of the murder. Colleagues in the media have staged protests and demanded that authorities find the murderer and arrest them as quickly as they can. Muhsin Khalid, President of the Gujranwala Press club, told the IFJ that Muhammad Arif, Hussain’s brother, filed a case with the local police alleging that Hussain had been murdered by unknown criminals. According to police sources, Hussain’s case has been registered against an unknown assailant, and senior officials are pursuing the murder. A committee has been set up and various raids are being carried out in different places. The motive behind the murder has not been found. The PFUJ said: “We urge the local police official to reach some conclusion and find the murderer.” The IFJ said: “The murder of Kashif Hussain has spread a blanket of fear across Pakistan. This tragic act shows that journalistic safety is more important than ever. The IFJ urges authorities to pursue this investigation as quickly as they can and to hold the culprit responsible so that journalists in Pakistan can continue reporting without fearing for their lives.”

KEY POINTS:

• Kashif Hussain was murdered in Hafizabad on August 10.
• His throat was cut, found dead in his home.
• Local media and civilians are demanding justice and safety.
• A case has been filed against unknown assailants by his brother.
• The motive remains unknown as police continue their investigation.