Shan Dahar killing: Journalists unhappy with inquiry committee formed to probe murder

SUKKUR:

The journalist fraternity is unhappy with the inquiry committee formed to probe the murder of senior journalist, Shan Dahar, and want competent officials instead.

A large group of journalists held a gathering in Jinnah Bagh, outside Larkana Press Club, on Sunday. They demanded, once again, the arrest of the men behind the killing and payment of compensation to the aggrieved family.



Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist general secretary Ameen Yousuf, Zaheer Ahmed Khan, Mushtaq Sarki and Baboo Iqbal addressed the gathering. They felt a majority of journalists are working in unfavourable circumstances to bring facts before the people. “It’s our duty to make the government more aware about the problems of the people, besides unearthing corruption in government departments,” said one of the speakers.

They condemned all the cases of journalists being targeted and said such incidents will never deter other professionals. “We would like to let them know that we will not succumb to these heinous designs and will continue to work with honesty and dedication,” another speaker added.

The speakers pointed out that the government has failed to nab even a single criminal involved in attack on journalists, despite tall claims. Shah Dahar’s murder is the worst example of tyranny as he was silenced because he was raising his voice against the wrong doings of influential persons, they added.

The PFUJ leaders ensured Shan Dahar’s family of full support and added that they are committed to make all efforts for the welfare of the journalist community.

A large number of journalists from Hyderabad, Karachi, Benazirabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Pir Jo Goth and other cities and towns attended the protest. Sukkur Union of Journalist president Imran Sahil and its general secretary, Perwaiz Khan, led a delegation of journalists from Sukkur, while Sufi Ishaq led a delegation from Khairpur. The journalists declared their confidence in the leadership of the PFUJ said that they will struggle together for the rights of all journalists.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2014.