Nawa-i-Waqt journalist shot dead in Begowala, Sialkot

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 27 March 2018

Zeeshan Ashraf Butt, a journalist with Nawa-i-Waqt, was fatally shot by UC Chairman Imran Aslam Cheema in Begowala. This incident represents the second murder of a journalist in Pakistan in 2023.

Summary

SIALKOT – A union council chairman allegedly shot dead a Nawa-i-Waqt journalist in the area of Begowala Police Station on Tuesday.

According to reports, Zeeshan Ashraf Butt, a reporter with the Urdu daily went to meet Begowala UC Chairman Imran Aslam Cheema.

During the meeting Cheema got upset over some of the questions asked by the journalists, and opened fire on Butt. He died on the spot.

Police have registered a case and have begun an investigation.

Butt is the second journalist to be killed in Pakistan this year. On March 1, Anjum Muneer Raja was shot dead in Rawalpindi.

Key Points

Zeeshan Ashraf Butt shot dead in Sialkot
Incident occurred during a meeting with UC Chairman
Police have initiated an investigation
Butt is the second journalist killed in 2023
Previous journalist murder occurred in Rawalpindi

Relevant Topics

Journalism

Sialkot

Violence

Media

Pakistan

Crime

Ask AI: Understand this story your way

AI Enabled

Dig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.

Language

Format

Tone

Audience

Focus

Reading level

Length

The AI generates results based on your selected options

Your AI-generated results will appear here after you click the button.

Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.

Explore Further

CPJ urges justice after Philippine radio journalist killed

May 27, 2026: CPJ urged Philippine authorities to investigate the killing of radio reporter Nestor Micator, prosecute those responsible, and end impunity for press attacks.

CPJ urges probe into Rwanda YouTuber death in custody

May 08, 2026: CPJ calls for an independent probe into the death of Rwandan YouTuber Aimable Karasira Uzaramba, who died during pre-release procedures amid reports of a medication overdose.

Philippines journalist killing sparks probe calls

May 01, 2026: RJ Nichole Ledesma, a journalist, was killed in Negros Occidental in an army operation, prompting calls for an independent probe and concerns over press safety.

Lebanese reporter killed in Israeli strikes

April 23, 2026: A Lebanese reporter was killed covering Israeli airstrikes near the Lebanon-Israel border, highlighting rising dangers for media in frontline areas.

Israel continues targeting journalists, kills three more

April 09, 2026: Three journalists were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon on April 8, drawing CPJ condemnation and heightening concerns about attacks on the press.

Israeli bombardment kills three journalists in Lebanon

March 28, 2026: An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three journalists, prompting condemnation and renewing concerns about reporters' safety in the widening conflict.

Israeli strike kills Lebanese journalist, probe urged

March 26, 2026: An Israeli strike on Nabatieh killed Lebanese journalist Hussain Hamood on March 25, prompting calls for an impartial international probe into the incident.

Israel strike kills prominent Lebanese journalist in Beirut

March 19, 2026: An Israeli airstrike on March 18 hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing Al-Manar programming director Mohamed Sherri and his wife.

Newsroom

What the 60 Minutes controversy means for TV journalism

June 03, 2026 The 60 Minutes controversy at CBS exposes tensions over leadership, editorial independence and pressures on legacy TV journalism amid political polarization.

RFE/RL journalists persist with Iran war coverage amid risks

June 03, 2026 RFE/RL journalists, including Persian-language reporters, continue covering the Iran-Israel-US conflict despite heightened security risks, restricted access, and significant operational challenges.

Zee secures FIFA World Cup rights in India through 2030

June 03, 2026 Zee Entertainment has secured broadcasting and digital rights in India for the 2026 and 2030 FIFA World Cups, reshaping the country's sports media landscape.

How fact-checkers verify viral videos during breaking news

June 02, 2026 Fact-checkers use source tracking, metadata, visual analysis and geolocation to verify whether viral videos in breaking news are authentic and timely.

Pentagon restrictions on reporters draw media backlash

June 02, 2026 New Pentagon rules requiring official escorts for reporters in some areas have drawn criticism from press groups and major news organizations over transparency.