Journalist Shahid Zehri killed in a targeted attack in Balochistan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 4 years ago |  JP Staff Report

QUETTA—A local journalist was killed in a bomb explosion in Balochistan's Hub area, bordering Karachi, on Sunday night.

Shahid Zehri, 35, associated with Metro 1 News TV channel, was traveling in a car in Hub when reportedly attacked with a homemade bomb. The journalist, who sustained critical wounds, was initially taken to Hub Civil Hospital and subsequently brought to the Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, where he was pronounced dead.

According to CCTV footage of the incident, an explosion took place on the roadside near Zehri's moving car as soon as it made a U-turn on a busy road.

Chief Minister Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan, strongly condemned the incident. He has directed the police to submit a report in this regard. Similarly, Governor Balochistan, Syed Zahoor Ahmed Agha, stated that the culprits involved in the terrorist act would be brought to justice.

PFUJ President Shahzada Zulfiqar and Secretary-General Nasir Zaidi condemned this targeted killing. "It is criminal negligence by police and security forces," they said while calling for immediate arrest of culprits. PFUJ leadership further urged the provincial and federal authorities to deal with anti-media elements that commit crimes against journalists strictly.

Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) also condemned the incident and demanded the government arrest the blast perpetrators. In a statement issued on Sunday night, the BUJ said the government has failed to protect the lives of journalists in Balochistan.

The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Photo courtesy: @AbdullahZehri

Dive Deeper

Journalist Tufail Ahmed Rind shot dead in Mirpur Mathelo ambush

 October 08, 2025: Journalist Tufail Ahmed Rind was shot dead in Mirpur Mathelo while taking his children to school. PFUJ condemns the killing, announcing nationwide protests.

Journalist Imtiaz Mir shot in Karachi, dies during treatment

 September 29, 2025: Anchorperson Imtiaz Mir of Metro 1 News has died after being shot in Karachi’s Malir area. Police link the attack to a Jacobabad land dispute.

Senior DawnNews journalist Khawar Husain found dead in Sanghar

 August 17, 2025: Senior DawnNews journalist Khawar Husain was found dead in his car in Sanghar with a gunshot wound, police confirmed. Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah has ordered a high-level investigation into the mysterious death.

Baloch journalist Latif Sajidi killed in targeted attack in Awaran

 May 24, 2025: Baloch journalist Latif Sajidi was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in his home in Awaran, Balochistan. His family has faced similar violence before, including enforced disappearances. Media silence raises concerns over press freedom and safety.

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

Punjab journalist shot and killed by motorcycle attackers

 December 15, 2024: Journalist Malik Zafar Iqbal Naich was tragically shot dead in Rahim Yar Khan while distributing newspapers. The IFJ and PFUJ strongly condemn the killing, urging swift justice amid Pakistan's deteriorating safety for journalists.

Pakistan loses 11th journalist this year as violence escalates in border region

 November 22, 2024: Young journalist Jinan Hussain becomes Pakistan's 11th media casualty of 2024 in a devastating attack on a passenger convoy in Kurram district that claimed 41 lives near the Afghan border.

Chief Minister orders action after journalist Mohammed Bachal's murder

 August 28, 2024: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered immediate action following the murder of journalist Mohammed Bachal in Ghotki. The government is intensifying anti-dacoit operations.