Number of press clubs shut down in Balochistan rises to 12
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 3 November 2017 | JP Staff Reporter
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The closure of three press clubs in Balochistan brings the total number to 12 amid rising threats from militant groups. This alarming trend follows several attacks on media personnel and facilities in the region.Summary
QUETTA – Chaghi, Shaheed Sikandarabad Surab, and Mir Ahmad Yar Khan Kalat Press Clubs in Balochistan have also announced stopping all their activities forthwith following growing threats from militant groups.
The closure of the three took the total number of press clubs to have closed down in the province to 12.
Almost all these 12 clubs shut down for an indefinite period after four separate incidents in recent days targeting the media.
On October 25 assailants belonging to Baloch Liberation Front hurdled a hand grenade at the Hub Press Club. There was no loss of life or damage to property.
The following day unknown men attacked a newspaper distribution outlet in Turbat with a grenade that left several people injured. Earlier, the same day gunmen stopped and attacked a minivan in the Awaran district and burnt the newspaper bundles it was carrying.
On October 30, unidentified armed men beat up an employee of Daily Qudrat and burnt the newspapers he was carrying.
The press clubs in Gwadar, Panjgur, Kharan, Dalbadin, Sarawan, Hub, Wandar, Uthal and Bela closed down earlier this week.
KEY POINTS:
- Total number of closed press clubs in Balochistan rises to 12.
- The closures follow targeted attacks against media outlets.
- Recent incidents include grenade attacks and physical assaults on media staff.
- Press clubs in various districts like Gwadar and Turbat ceased operations.
- Concerns for journalist safety in the region are escalating.
