JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 28, 2024 at 12:05 am | JP Staff Report
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ISLAMABAD—Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken decisive action following the tragic killing of journalist Mohammed Bachal in Ghotki's Rounti area. Bachal, a reporter for Awaaz TV, was gunned down by dacoits in a region plagued by organized criminal gangs.
In response to this grave incident which marks the 9th journalist murder in Pakistan in 2024, CM Shah has directed Sindh Inspector-General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon to immediately apprehend those responsible for Bachal's murder. The Chief Minister has also ordered an escalation of the ongoing anti-dacoit operations in southern Sindh, a region long affected by criminal activities including kidnap-for-ransom.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has summoned an urgent report on the incident from Ghotki's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). Lanjar emphasized the need for advanced technical tools to trace the culprits and has called for an accelerated anti-dacoit campaign with increased police reinforcements.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the murder and called for immediate action against those responsible. PFUJ also criticized the delay and negligence of the police in handling such cases and demanded justice for Bachal and compensation for his family.
This killing marks a disturbing trend in Pakistan, where the safety of journalists continues to be a pressing concern.
July 14, 2024: In Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, journalist Malik Hassan Zaib was shot and killed by motorcycle assailants. The Khyber Union of Journalists and Peshawar Press Club have condemned the attack, calling for swift justice. This marks the third journalist killing in the region within two months.
June 18, 2024: Khyber News Television correspondent Khalil Jibran was tragically shot dead in Landi Kotal, District Khyber. The journalist, who had previously received threats, was ambushed and killed while returning home. This incident highlights the growing dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan.
May 24, 2024: Journalist Nasrullah Gaddani, known for highlighting civic issues in Sindh, was fatally shot in Kori Goth. Despite facing repeated arrests and threats, he continued his courageous reporting. His death underscores the dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan and calls for stronger protection and justice.
October 24, 2022: Renowned journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was tragically shot and killed in Kenya. His wife, Javeria Siddique, confirmed the devastating news on social media, urging the public to refrain from speculation. Sharif, who was well-known for his work with ARY News and received the Pride of Performance Award in 2019, had joined BOL News.
February 18, 2022: Athar Mateen, a senior producer at Samaa TV, was tragically shot dead during a robbery in North Nazimabad, Karachi. Sindh's authorities and Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
November 10, 2021: Muhammad Zada Agra, a social media activist, was tragically shot dead in Sakhakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on November 8, 2021, after speaking out against corruption and drug syndicates. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) condemn his assassination and urge the Pakistani government to ensure journalists' safety.
October 11, 2021: Journalist Shahid Zehri of Metro 1 News was killed in a bomb blast in Balochistan’s Hub area. Authorities vow justice while the BLA claims responsibility for the attack.
August 14, 2021: Pakistani journalist Kashif Hussain was brutally murdered in Hafizabad district, sparking protests. The IFJ and PFUJ call on authorities to investigate and arrest the culprit to ensure journalistic safety in Pakistan.
October 12, 2024 A critical look at the increasing attacks on press freedom in Pakistan, from harassment of female journalists to violent assaults and unjust detentions. Despite condemnations, no action plan has been put in place to address these violations.
October 12, 2024 PFUJ strongly condemns adding journalists to NACTA's Schedule IV list, emphasizing that journalism is a profession and the fourth pillar of democracy, not a crime.
October 10, 2024 The Digital Media Alliance of Pakistan (DigiMAP) strongly condemns the inclusion of senior journalists on NACTA's Schedule IV list and calls for the immediate release of Ehsan Naseem, arrested after interviewing Manzoor Pashteen. DigiMAP demands respect for press freedom and journalist rights.
October 09, 2024 Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists slams PEMRA for issuing notices to TV channels over Karachi attack coverage, calling it pressure tactics and demanding immediate withdrawal.
October 09, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.