Our Gone Too Soon section is dedicated to honoring journalists who tragically lost their lives due to their work or other reasons, including terrorism incidents. This section serves as a solemn tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of truth and justice. While the list is not exhaustive and does not cover all the journalist killings in Pakistan, we are committed to continually updating it to create a comprehensive memorial.
In Gone Too Soon, you will find stories of brave individuals whose contributions to journalism were cut short by violence and extremism. By remembering their courage and dedication, we aim to highlight the risks journalists face and underscore the importance of press freedom.
February 17, 2020: Aziz Memon, a journalist for Sindhi TV channel KTN News and newspaper Kawish, was found dead, allegedly strangled, and left in an irrigation outlet near Mehrabpur. His death follows threats he received for his news coverage.
August 31, 2019: Armed men fatally shot journalist Mirza Waseem Baig of 92 News Television outside his home in Sara-i-Alamgir, Punjab on August 30, 2019. Journalist unions demand justice amid unclear motives for the murder. The incident sparked concerns over press freedom and the safety of journalists in Pakistan, prompting calls for swift action from law enforcement.
July 09, 2019: BOL News anchor Mureed Abbas was fatally shot in Karachi's Defence area over a reported monetary dispute on July 9, 2019. His wife, Zaara Abbas of Abb Takk News, revealed in a video that Abbas had invested Rs5 million in a tire business owned by Atif Zaman, who allegedly called him and then killed him. Zaman later attempted suicide.
May 05, 2019: Ali Sher Rajpar, a journalist with Awami Awaz and office-bearer at Padidan Press Club, was murdered in Sindh. His cousin, Habib Rajpar, has been arrested for the crime, which police attribute to a family dispute.
April 30, 2019: Unidentified assailants shot and killed Amanullah Gharro in Dera Ismail Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) on April 30, 2019. He was associated with local media outlets and served as the chairman of the Parowa Press Club. Amanullah was attacked while traveling, highlighting concerns about journalist safety and the escalating incidents of targeted violence in the region.
December 03, 2018: Unidentified shooters killed television reporter Noor-ul-Hassan of Royal TV and seriously injured cameraman Sabir in Peshawar. The assailants, on motorcycles, attacked the vehicle on Ring Road as the journalists were en route to Hayatabad. Police are investigating the attack.
October 16, 2018: Muhammad Sohail Khan, a reporter for K-2 Times newspaper, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attack is believed to be linked to his reporting on a drug peddler. This incident follows the murder of the paper's bureau chief last year.
March 27, 2018: Nawa-i-Waqt journalist, Zeeshan Ashraf Butt, was shot dead by Begowala Union Council Chairman Imran Aslam Cheema after a heated exchange during an interview. Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.
January 18, 2018: Journalist Hayatullah Khan faced threats, and kidnappings, and was expelled from North Waziristan, yet remained steadfast in his dedication to reporting the truth. Despite the dangers, he continued his work until his brutal murder on June 16, 2006. Explore his courageous journey and the subsequent impact on his family.
January 17, 2018: Columnist Fazal Wahab was tragically murdered in Swat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in January 21, 2003 by religious extremists, incensed by his bold writings. They were particularly outraged by his book, "Mullah ka Kirdar," a compilation of articles on society and community welfare. The cover image, depicting a mullah in a turban with a crown resembling a snake, further fueled their anger.
January 16, 2018: Journalist Azmat Ali Bangash of Samaa TV and PTV was tragically killed in a twin suicide bombing while on assignment at an IDPs camp near Peshawar. His widow, Shugafta Naz, recalls the tragic day and the struggles her family has faced since his death, battling cultural taboos and lack of support.
January 15, 2018: Journalist Esa Khankhel sent a ticker to Geo TV about a dead body found in Matta, Swat district, only to later discover the corpse was of his elder brother, Musa Khankhel. Musa, also a journalist. Musa was covering a peace rally led by a cleric when he was abducted and brutally murdered.
January 14, 2018: Saleem Tahir, a fearless local journalist, tragically lost his life on January 4, 2009 in a devastating Dera Ismail Khan bomb blast while on duty. Despite the immense loss and numerous challenges, his family remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and support. Their journey sheds light on the severe risks and dangers that journalists in Pakistan face daily.
October 12, 2017: Journalist Haroon Khan was gunned down by unidentified assailants outside his home in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on October 12, 2017. He was returning home after prayers when two men on a motorbike attacked him. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
June 11, 2017: Bakshish Elahi, Bureau Chief of K-2 Times in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was fatally shot by unidentified shooters while on duty on June 11, 2017. Elahi was also a member of the Federal Executive Council of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Dastoor). The union condemned the cold-blooded murder.
February 12, 2017: Taimoor Abbas, a 22-year-old assistant cameraman with Samaa TV, was fatally shot on February 12, 2017, when unidentified gunmen attacked the channel's news-gathering van in Karachi. The assailants, opened fire on the vehicle, critically injuring Abbas with wounds to his head and chest. Despite being rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
January 12, 2017: Local journalist Muhammad Jan Sumalani, who worked for Daily Qudrat and Daily Talaar, was killed by unidentified gunmen in Kalat, Balochistan. Police are investigating the motive behind the killing. In 2016, six journalists were killed in Pakistan.
June 28, 2015: Journalist Zafarullah Jatak was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in his home in Balochistan's Jaffarabad district. Pakistan remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with 14 killed in 2014. The Freedom Network condemns the murder and calls for a thorough investigation.
October 06, 2014: Yaqoob Shehzad, a correspondent for Express News Television and chairman of the Hafizabad Press Club, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Hafizabad. This tragic incident highlights the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan, now rated the most deadly country for media professionals by the International Federation of Journalists.
August 28, 2014: Unidentified assailants shot dead Bureau Chief Irshad Mastoi at the Online International News Network in Quetta on August 28, 2014. The brazen attack left two dead instantly and Irshad critically injured. Despite efforts, Irshad succumbed to his wounds at the hospital. He was also the general secretary of the Balochistan Union of Journalists and an assignment editor at ARY News Television.