UNESCO chief denounces killing of media workers in Pakistan

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 14 September 2015

The UNESCO Director-General has denounced the killings of two media workers in Pakistan. She emphasized the need for safety in journalism and thorough investigations.

Summary

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom has denounced the recent killing of two media workers in Pakistan, and called for an investigation into both cases. “Violence and fear must not be allowed to prevent journalists and media workers from doing their work,” Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said in a news release, following the killing of Geo News technician Arshad Ali Jaffery, and journalist Aftab Alam. “The safety of journalists and media workers is an essential condition for the press to keep the public informed. It is important that the authorities investigate these cases and bring those responsible for them to trial.” Jaffery was killed on September 8 in Karachi when gunmen fired on a broadcast van in which he was working. The folloqwing day, Alam, who had reported for a number of news outlets including Geo News and Samaa TV, was shot while driving his car near his home in Karachi.

Key Points

UNESCO chief Irina Bokova calls for investigations into the killings of media workers.
Arshad Ali Jaffery was killed on September 8 in Karachi.
Journalist Aftab Alam was shot and killed the following day.
Violence against journalists poses a threat to press freedom.
Authorities must bring the perpetrators to justice.

Relevant Topics

UNESCO

Media Workers

Pakistan

Press Freedom

Irina Bokova

Investigations

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.

Dive Deeper

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 4 | July 7-20, 2026

July 20, 2026: During July 7-20, 2026 Pakistan's media faced legal action against journalists, expanded broadcast regulations, newsroom layoffs and surveillance concerns, revealing growing regulatory, economic and technological pressures on journalism.

Journalists question closed-door fuel price briefing

July 18, 2026: Journalists criticised a closed-door briefing where ministers said OGRA would set petroleum prices daily and energy reporters were not invited.

DRF USA report warns of expanding cyber surveillance in Pakistan

July 17, 2026: DRF USA warns that Pakistan's growing cyber surveillance, spyware, LIMS, and web monitoring pose serious privacy risks to press freedom and other digital rights.

Nine journalist threat cases recorded across Pakistan in June

July 15, 2026: Nine incidents of threats, arrests, legal action and assaults against journalists were recorded in Pakistan in June, highlighting threats to press freedom.

Why Punjab's district journalists are working second jobs to survive

July 14, 2026: Punjab district journalists take second jobs, running shops, tuition centres or filtration plants, to top up newsroom pay and keep reporting amid rising costs.

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 3 | June 23-July 6, 2026

July 06, 2026: Pakistan's media faced pressure as a major channel was suspended, journalists were arrested under cyberlaw, attacks occurred and AI-related debates intensified.

CPJ urges Pakistan to lift Geo News suspension

July 02, 2026: CPJ urged Pakistan to reverse PEMRA's 15-day suspension of Geo News' broadcast license, calling it a dangerous escalation of official interference with independent media.

KP unveils journalist welfare package with loans, press club funding

July 01, 2026: KP unveils package for journalists: interest-free loans up to PKR10m, funding for press clubs and a media colony, plus a provincial journalists' welfare endowment.

Newsroom

AFP journalists in Türkiye win strike after pay dispute

July 21, 2026 AFP journalists in Türkiye ended a 12-day strike after securing a labor agreement with a 27% wage increase, a month's bonus, €2,500 and enhanced allowances.

Why are media companies laying off journalists?

July 21, 2026 Media companies are laying off journalists as advertising income falls, audiences shift to digital platforms, costs rise, and AI plus new business models reshape newsroom economics.

Messi's farewell, Yamal's rise: Spain conquer Argentina in World Cup final

July 20, 2026 Spain defeated Argentina in a dramatic World Cup final as Ferran Torres' extra-time volley sealed victory, capping Messi's farewell and Yamal's rise.

JP analysis: Legal pressure on journalists grows worldwide

July 19, 2026 JournalismPakistan finds governments increasingly using courts, surveillance, visa limits and regulation instead of overt bans to pressure journalists.

What is prior restraint in journalism and media law?

July 19, 2026 Prior restraint is government action that stops publication or broadcast before it reaches the public, creating tensions between press freedom and security.