Newspaper distribution agency attacked in Turbat, several injured

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 26 October 2017 |  JP Staff Reporter

A grenade attack at a newspaper distribution outlet in Turbat resulted in multiple injuries. The attack is linked to escalating threats against media in the region.

Summary

QUETTA – Unknown assailants attacked a newspaper distribution outlet in Turbat with a grenade that left several people injured.

The Pak News Agency, the biggest sales and distribution point of newspapers in the area, was doing business despite serious threats from militant groups to all associated with the media in Balochistan.

Among those injured were police constable Muhammad Hanif, employees at the agency, and a child.

On Wednesday assailants reportedly belonging to the Baloch Liberation Front hurled a hand grenade at the Hub Press Club. There was no loss of life or damage to property.

Earlier this week, distribution of newspapers in the province was affected following threats from the banned United Baloch Army.

The group claimed journalists were only presenting the government’s point of view and had warned of armed action against them after October 24.

Its spokesman Murid Baloch warned print journalists to stay away from newspaper offices and press clubs and the newspaper hawkers and transporters to stop distributing newspapers.

KEY POINTS:

• Grenade attack on Pak News Agency in Turbat injures several people.
• Among the injured are a police constable, agency employees, and a child.
• The Baloch Liberation Front is believed to be responsible for the attack.
• Earlier threats from the United Baloch Army disrupted newspaper distribution.
• No loss of life or property damage reported in the incident.