Swat mourns journalists that went beyond call of duty

Senior journalists, lawmakers pay tribute to those killed during the insurgency.

SWAT: A large number of people gathered at the Swat Press Club on Friday to pay homage to four journalists who were killed during the insurgency in Swat.

The event, titled Shuhada Conference, was attended by elected representatives of journalists, the district coordination officer (DCO), civil society members, traders’ federation, local administration, news reporters and police officers.

“We will never forget the indomitable courage and the sacrifices of the journalists of Swat, which played a vital role in restoration of peace [to the area],” said Shershah Khan, a member of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

“They were children of this land who laid their lives for it. Not only did they inform the whole world but also spread light in the darkness of brutality,” he said. “They, along with other martyrs, will always be remembered with reverence.”

Renowned Swati journalist Fazal Rabi Rahi said that their deaths were an irreparable loss. “Journalism is the fourth pillar of the state and journalists are the society’s eyes. The journalists of Swat are playing their role and carrying out their duties without fearing even bombardment or shelling,” he said.

Journalist Fayaz Zafar lamented the lack of recognition from governmental or non-governmental organisations. “We were threatened by the Taliban every now and then, through phone calls, letters and posters. Even now we receive threatening calls from the Taliban but nothing can stir us from the call of duty. But it is tragic that no one remembers our martyrs,” he said.

DCO Swat Kamran Rahman said that journalists worked in very unsafe conditions. “Today, I am proud to be a part of this prestigious ceremony. Now as peace has been restored with your sacrifices, you must continue to play a positive role for the development of the society. With your pens, you should lead the society towards more confidence,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2011.