IFJ calls for prompt action to arrest journalist Noor-ul-Hassan's murderers

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 6 December 2018

The IFJ has condemned the murder of journalist Noor-ul-Hassan in Peshawar and demanded immediate action from the government. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists is also calling for enhanced safety measures for journalists.

Summary

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Pakistan government to take prompt action on this week’s murder of journalist Noor-ul-Hassan in Peshawar.

Condemning the killing, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "The brutal and targeted killing of Noor-ul Hassan in Peshawar is a blatant attempt to silence a critical voice and intimidate the wider media community.

“The press remains under attack when crimes like this go unpunished, so we call on the Pakistan government and Prime Minister Imran Khan to take immediate action."

President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) also condemned the murder and demanded safety of journalists.

PFUJ President G.M. Jamali said: “The PFUJ strongly condemns the killing of yet another working journalist. We urge the law enforcement authorities to trace the killers and put them behind the bar.

“The PFUJ has demanded time and again to provide security to the working journalists and provide them a peaceful atmosphere to ensure the freedom of speech and expression, but it has not been met. We once again demand the government to ensure the safety of the working journalists."

Two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on a moving car in which Hassan and cameraman Sabir were traveling from Peshawar to Nowshera.

The perpetrators were on a 125cc motorcycle and fired shots from a 9mm pistol and fled the scene. The journalists were taken to a nearby hospital, where Hassan died of his wounds. Sabir is in a critical condition.

In 2018, the IFJ has recorded the killing of five journalists in Pakistan. On December 31, the IFJ will publish its annual Killed List.