Journalism Pakistan
Journalism Pakistan
Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report اظہارِ رائے کی آزادی محدود، پیکا میں ترامیم سے میڈیا کو شدید دھچکا: رپورٹDawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric ڈان کی بھارتی میڈیا سے جنگی بیانیہ ترک کرنے کی اپیلIndia bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack پہلگام حملے کے بعد بھارت نے پاکستان کے 16 یوٹیوب چینلز پر پابندی لگا دی'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings ان اے ڈیفرنٹ ریلم کرکٹ کی عظیم ترین اننگز پر ایک فکری نقطۂ نظر پیش کرتی ہےCoordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows ہم آہنگی یا محض اتفاق؟ پاکستانی صحافیوں کے ایک جیسے ٹویٹس نے سوالات اٹھا دیےThe PSL paradox: pageantry or progress? پی ایس ایل کا تضاد: دکھاوا یا ترقی؟Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists after PTI expulsion پی ٹی آئی سے نکالے جانے کے بعد شیر افضل مروت کے صحافیوں پر ذاتی حملےJournalist Sanaullah Khan alleges FIA blocking accounts of YouTubers and families صحافی ثناء اللہ خان کا انکشاف: ایف آئی اے یوٹیوبرز اور ان کے خاندانوں کے اکاؤنٹس بلاک کر رہی ہےA launch in style: Dr. Nauman Niaz unveils 'In A Different Realm' ان اے ڈفرنٹ ریلم کی رونمائی: ڈاکٹر نعمان نیاز کی کتاب Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning سندھی صحافی اے ڈی شر کا بہیمانہ قتل، پی ایف یو جے نے تین روزہ سوگ کا اعلان کر دیاAJK government registers case against newspaper and staff آزاد کشمیر حکومت کا اخبار اور عملے کے خلاف مقدمہJournalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting صحافی آرزو کاظمی کا دعویٰ: ایف آئی اے کی دھمکیاں، رپورٹنگ پر ممکنہ گرفتاری

Musa Khankhel: Truth silenced

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published January 15, 2018 |  Myra Imran & Imran Naeem Ahmad

Join our WhatsApp channel

Musa Khankhel: Truth silenced

This story is one of 10 case studies highlighting the economic condition of slain journalists’ families and the displaced reporters. Journalist Myra Imran traveled to remote and high-risk districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA to interview family members, their relatives, displaced journalists, and office-bearers of press clubs and journalist unions. The stories are part of a field study report ‘Surviving the Story’, launched on January 8, a collaborative initiative of JournalismPakistan.com and Communications Research Strategies (CRS).

 

On February 18, 2009, journalist Esa Khankhel sent a ticker to Geo Television about a dead body found in Matta, a small town in Swat district. Little did he know the corpse was that of his elder brother Musa Khankhel.

That tragic day Musa, also a journalist was busy covering a peace rally when he was abducted and later killed. The assailants shot him many times.

“I used to give tickers to Geo in his absence,” says Esa, hired by the channel following his brother’s killing.

Cleric Sufi Muhammad led the peace rally after a truce between the government and the militants. The security situation was quite bad in Swat Valley back then. “My brother used to receive threats all the time because he reported the truth, and he knew he would be killed.”

Their father Abdul Ghani, a prayer leader at a local mosque, has no clue as to who was behind his son’s cold-blooded murder. “We don’t know who did it but we are waiting; Allah will expose them and we will get justice.”

He praises the military for cleansing the valley off the Taliban. “I appreciate them and I am proud that my son played his part as a journalist in that process.” His wife Hajra Bibi, a mother of seven children, is devastated; she couldn’t recall the events the day her son got killed - a flood of tears rolling down her eyes. Speaking with the help of an interpreter, she says she knew her son was in a dangerous profession. “At times, I used to tell him to leave it but he believed life and death are in Allah’s hands.”

Musa’s journalist friends, covering the same rally that fateful day tell Esa they lost track of him after the event ended. It was at 5.30pm when a source informed Esa of the dead body in Matta. Later, one of his friends called up to disclose the body was Musa’s.

Esa happened to be in Swat by chance that day. He had left the area 10 days before the incident and was staying with a cousin in Islamabad. “I came to visit and planned to leave on February 19 but this happened.”

He then chose to stay and report from Swat for Geo. “It was very tough at that time; journalists had no training. Now when I look back, I realize I took many risks but Allah saved me.” He points out Swat is still not safe for journalists and thinks they could get targeted because such killings make for international news.

Musa’s death brought misery to the family since he was the sole breadwinner. He was not married. The family never received the plot of land promised by Yousaf Raza Gillani, the then prime minister. Esa laments the journalist unions and press clubs should have followed up on that, especially those in Islamabad. “They could have pressed the government to honor its commitment.” The unions did nothing for other journalists targeted and killed, he reflects. “Holding a random protest or a rally is not enough. What helps is ensuring the relevant authorities deliver the commitments and promises made to such families.”

He acknowledges receiving a cheque for Rs500,000 from then President Asif Zardari. He also acknowledges the support lent by the media organizations. This assistance helped the family build their house.

The loss of his brother has been so painful for Esa that he has not spent a night at home since the gruesome murder. “I won’t go back. I can’t be there with him not around.”

He recalls telling Musa to be careful in his reporting but says he never took his advice seriously. “The Taliban used to tell him to write whatever they wanted while the state authorities had their own version of events but he reported only the truth.”

Esa suggests the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists constitute a committee of credible members to press the authorities to help families of slain journalists. “You have to see to believe the appalling living condition of such families.

“If there’s no assistance forthcoming from the government, the PFUJ would do well to explore international avenues. I am sure lots of Pakistanis living abroad are willing to help.”

Esa does not see much coming out of the proposed Journalist Protection and Welfare Bill. It makes having a press accreditation card mandatory and that is not easy for journalists in smaller districts to obtain. “The owners of news organizations should organize these cards for their journalists.”

Eight years since his brother’s assassination, Esa wonders if the killers would ever be caught. “People get imprisoned for petty crimes like giving bread to the Taliban but my brother’s murderers roam free.”

Related: Saleem Tahir - a tragic misfortune

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

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

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

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

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.

Motorcycle assailants kill journalist Malik Hassan Zaib in Nowshera

Motorcycle assailants kill journalist Malik Hassan Zaib in Nowshera

 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.

Khyber News correspondent Khalil Jibran murdered in Landi Kotal

Khyber News correspondent Khalil Jibran murdered in Landi Kotal

 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.

Journalist Nasrullah Gaddani murdered after persistent threats

Journalist Nasrullah Gaddani murdered after persistent threats

 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.

Pakistan mourns: Journalist Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya

Pakistan mourns: Journalist Arshad Sharif shot dead in Kenya

 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.

Newsroom
Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

Freedom of expression shrinks in Pakistan as PECA Amendments take toll: report

 April 30, 2025 Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

Dawn urges Indian media to abandon war rhetoric

 April 30, 2025 Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

India bans 16 Pakistani YouTube channels following Pahalgan attack

 April 28, 2025 India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.

'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings

'In A Different Realm' offers a philosophical take on cricket's greatest innings

 April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.​

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

Coordinated or coincidence? Identical tweets by Pakistani journalists raise eyebrows

 April 23, 2025 Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.