UNESCO wants reporters' murders probed
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 20 October 2012
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The head of UNESCO has demanded an investigation into the recent killings of two journalists in Pakistan. This call highlights the ongoing threats faced by media professionals in the country.Summary
NEW YORK: The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom has called on Pakistani authorities to investigate the killing of two journalists and bring the perpetrators to justice. “I condemn the murder of Adbul Kahliq and Mushtaq Khand,” said the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Irina Bokova. “I am deeply concerned about attacks on journalists and media workers in Pakistan and call on the authorities to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.” On September 29, Abdul Khaliq, also known as Abdul Haq Baloch, was shot by unidentified gunmen in Khuzdar, in Balochistan. Khaliq had worked as a reporter for ARY News TV and two newspapers, the Daily Awan and Tawar. A reporter for the privately-owned Dharti TV, Mushtaq Khand, was killed when gunmen opened fire on a public meeting in Khairpur, in the south-eastern province of Sindh, on October 7. Several other people were killed and injured in the attack, UNESCO added. More here
KEY POINTS:
- Two journalists, Abdul Khaliq and Mushtaq Khand, were recently murdered in Pakistan.
- UNESCO's Director-General, Irina Bokova, condemned these killings and called for justice.
- Abdul Khaliq was shot in Khuzdar, Balochistan, while Mushtaq Khand was killed during a public meeting in Khairpur, Sindh.
- The attacks on journalists raise serious concerns about press freedom in Pakistan.
- UNESCO emphasizes the need for authorities to act against these crimes.
