PFUJ calls for probe after Israel kills three journalists
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 29 March 2026 | JP Staff Report
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PFUJ condemned an Israeli strike that killed three journalists in southern Lebanon. The union urged an independent investigation and rejected unsubstantiated IDF allegations.Summary
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the killing of three media workers in southern Lebanon, following reports that an Israeli strike hit a vehicle carrying journalists on the Jezzine highway.
According to PFUJ, those killed were identified as Al-Manar TV journalist Ali Shoaib, Al-Mayadeen TV journalist Fatima Ftouni, and freelance photojournalist Mohamad Ftouni. The union said the vehicle was clearly marked as a media car and was targeted while the journalists were traveling for an assignment.
Union rejects claims, calls for accountability
In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari rejected statements attributed to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) suggesting that one of the journalists had links to intelligence activities. The union said such allegations were made without publicly available evidence and warned against labeling journalists as combatants.
PFUJ described the incident as a violation of international humanitarian law, which provides civilian protection to journalists working in conflict zones. It called for an independent investigation into the strike and urged international bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Growing concerns over journalist safety in conflict zones
The union also expressed concern over broader risks faced by journalists covering conflicts in the region, particularly in areas affected by ongoing Israel–Hezbollah tensions and the Gaza war. It said attacks on media workers undermine press freedom and limit the flow of information from conflict zones.
PFUJ urged organizations, including the United Nations, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the International Criminal Court (ICC), to initiate a transparent inquiry and ensure accountability under international law.
WHY THIS MATTERS: This incident highlights the continued vulnerability of journalists in conflict zones and reinforces the role of Pakistani media bodies in advocating for press freedom and accountability globally. It also reflects how international attacks on journalists resonate within Pakistan’s media community and shape its collective response.
ATTRIBUTION: Information cited from a publicly available statement issued by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (March 29, 2026).
PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.
Key Points
- PFUJ condemned an Israeli strike that killed three media workers in southern Lebanon.
- The deceased were Al-Manar journalist Ali Shoaib, Al-Mayadeen journalist Fatima Ftouni, and freelance photojournalist Mohamad Ftouni.
- Union said the vehicle was clearly marked as a media car and was targeted while on assignment.
- PFUJ rejected IDF statements alleging links between a journalist and intelligence activities, citing a lack of public evidence.
- The union called the strike a violation of international humanitarian law and demanded an independent investigation.
- PFUJ warned that attacks on media workers threaten press freedom and the flow of information from conflict zones.
Key Questions & Answers
Who were the journalists killed?
PFUJ identified them as Al-Manar journalist Ali Shoaib, Al-Mayadeen journalist Fatima Ftouni, and freelance photojournalist Mohamad Ftouni.
What has PFUJ demanded?
The union has called for an independent investigation into the strike and urged international bodies to examine the circumstances.
Did PFUJ respond to IDF allegations?
Yes; PFUJ rejected IDF claims linking a journalist to intelligence activities, saying no public evidence was provided.
What broader concerns did the union express?
PFUJ warned that attacks on media workers undermine press freedom and increase risks for journalists covering conflicts in the region.
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