Securing journalists: IFJ raises alarm over deaths

‘Five journalists have died in Pakistan so far this year’.

FAISALABAD:

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has raised an alarm over the lack of security for Pakistani journalists.

The statement comes two days after a journalist died in twin bombings in Peshawar. The death of Asfandyar Khan, according to the IFJ, is the fifth such incident in Pakistan in 2011. Khan had recently joined daily Akhbar-i-Khyber.

The statement also mentions Shafiullah Khan, a trainee reporter from North Waziristan, who is reported to be in critical condition. It also names seven more journalists, including sub-editors, cameramen, reporters and a bureau chief from various media groups, who were injured in the Khyber market attack.

“The IFJ urges all media outlets to ensure their workers are fully informed about the frequent recourse to the double-blast strategy. For this purpose, urgent education and precautions need to be taken for safe reporting,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14^th, 2011.