Another journalist falls

We already know that Pakistan has now been declared one of the most dangerous places in the world for media professionals by international watchdog bodies. In 2012, seven journalists were killed across the country, five of them in targeted attacks. As we enter 2013, more blood has been shed. Malik Mumtaz, who worked for Geo News and its affiliated newspapers was shot dead, while on his way back home from Miranshah. Gunmen, who drove up in a car with tinted windowpanes, shot at him and he died almost instantly.

The motives for the murder are unclear. Mr Mumtaz had an impeccable record amongst fellow professionals for his work and character. He was also chairman of the Miranshah Press Club. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has denied having anything to do with the incident, making it all the more urgent that authorities launch a full investigation into the killing of a man who had insisted on continuing to work in North Waziristan despite warnings apparently issued by his colleagues, who had suggested that he leave. His refusal to do so reflects both his courage and commitment to the people of his native area.

The reason behind killing journalists is almost certainly to prevent accurate information from reaching the people. These killings also continue because many of them have never been properly investigated, a case in point being that of Hayatullah Khan’s kidnapping and murder in North Waziristan in 2006. Authorities must play a more effective role in ensuring that the lives of media professionals are safe, given that they are performing a vital service by providing citizens with access to information, which is a basic right. If journalists are unable to perform their duty, all of society will suffer to some degree. The idea that journalists are no longer safe anywhere in the country already adds to the negative image of Pakistan in the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2013.