16 Pakistani journalists sought asylum abroad in last five years: report

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 18 June 2015

Sixteen Pakistani journalists have sought asylum in other countries since 2010, according to a CPJ report. The report highlights threats of violence and imprisonment as major factors driving them to flee.

Summary

ISLAMABAD: International watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists says in a report that 16 Pakistani journalists sought asylum in different countries since 2010. According to the report compiled by CPJ, three out of 16 Pakistani journalists forced to flee, have been able to return to the country. Among those still unable to return is journalist Raza Rumi (pictured), who had to flee after he was attacked in Lahore on March 28, 2014. Though Rumi survived the attack, his driver, Mustafa, did not. Subsequently, he had to leave the country. United States, Turkey and Kenya were identified as top destinations for journalists who were fleeing their homeland. Threat of imprisonment was the biggest reason behind journalists leaving the country, as it accounted for 42 percent of exiles, while 40 percent left their homeland due to threat of violence, says the report. It says that other reasons forcing people to live in exile included violence and harassment.