UNESCO deplores murder of journos

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 13 years ago

UNESCO has expressed deep concern over the killings of two journalists in Pakistan. The Director-General calls for investigations into these tragic events.

Summary

The Director-General of UNESCO has expressed deep concern about press freedom in Pakistan following the killings of journalists Abdul Razaq Gul in Balochistan province and Auraengzeb Tunio who was killed with two other people in Sindh in May. “The number of journalists who are paying with their lives for doing their job in Pakistan is alarming,” the Director-General Irina Bokova, said.

“I condemn the killings of Abdul Razaq Gul and Aurangzeb Tunio who died alongside two companions. I urge the authorities to investigate these killings. It is essential for freedom of expression and for good governance that those responsible for the death of journalists be brought to justice.”

Gul, a journalist for Express news TV in Balochistan, was found dead and his body showed signs of torture. He had been kidnapped while returning home the previous evening. He was also the secretary of the Press Club of Turbat, the city where he lived.

Some 20 gunmen are reported to have attacked the office of Aurangzeb Tunio, a TV reporter for the Sindhi-language Kawaish Television in Lalu Ranwak village in Sindh. They killed the journalist, his brother, Rustam Tunio, and a family friend, Deedar Khaskheli.

Read more here: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_deplores_murder_of_pakistani_journalists_abdul_razaq_gul_and_aurengzeb_tunio/back/18256/
 

KEY POINTS:

• Two journalists were murdered in Pakistan, raising concerns about press freedom.
• UNESCO's Director-General Irina Bokova condemned the killings.
• The incidents highlight the dangers faced by journalists in the region.
• Urgent calls for investigations and justice for the victims were made.
• Abdul Razaq Gul and Aurangzeb Tunio were the latest victims of violence against journalists.