CPJ alarmed by continuing violence against Pakistani journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 19 April 2014

The Committee to Protect Journalists has raised concerns over ongoing violence towards journalists in Pakistan. The recent attack on Hamid Mir underscores the government's failure to protect media personnel.

Summary

NEW YORK: The Committee to Protect Journalists says it is alarmed by the continuing violence directed at journalists in Pakistan. "The attack on Hamid Mir is an indicator that the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has not been able to reverse the country's appalling record of violence against journalists, despite pledges to do so," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program coordinator.

"Full prosecution of the perpetrators of such crimes is the only answer to reversing this history. Police must act swiftly and decisively in this and all cases that have been building up for years in Pakistan. And the country's media must use their capabilities to pursue their own investigations, as well as pressure the government to take action."

Mir was attacked in Karachi Saturday (April 19) while going to his office from the airport. The attackers were on two motorbikes and a car. He received three gunshots.

KEY POINTS:

• CPJ alarmed by rising violence against journalists in Pakistan.
• Hamid Mir was shot while commuting from the airport in Karachi.
• Government has failed to improve safety for journalists.
• Police urged to act decisively against perpetrators.
• CPJ calls for media to conduct independent investigations.