UNESCO condemns violence against journalists in Pakistan
Five journalists have been killed in Pakistan since the start of 2012.
“I am deeply concerned over the killing of Mehmood Jan Afridi and Malik Mumtaz,” the Director-General said. PHOTO: REUTERS
UNITED NATIONS:
Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova voiced concern over the killing of two journalists on Thursday.
“I am deeply concerned over the killing of Mehmood Jan Afridi and Malik Mumtaz,” the Director-General said.
“Measures must be taken to improve the safety of journalists in Pakistan for the sake of press freedom and freedom of expression, which are essential for democracy and rule of law. I trust that these murders will be investigated thoroughly and that their culprits will be brought to trial.” Bokova stated.
Senior journalist Malik Mumtaz was gunned down on February 27 as he was driving to his home in Miran Shah, North Waziristan. He worked for Geo News television, Jang Online News and The News International. Mumtaz is reported to have received threats connected to his reporting in the past.
Mehmood Jan Afridi was gunned down on March 1 in the city of Kalat, Balochistan where he worked for the Urdu language newspaper The Daily Intekhab. According to the Associated Press, Afridi had received threatening phone calls.
Five journalists have been killed in Pakistan since the start of 2012. They are remembered in UNESCO’s dedicated web page, UNESCO Condemns the Killing of Journalists.
Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova voiced concern over the killing of two journalists on Thursday.
“I am deeply concerned over the killing of Mehmood Jan Afridi and Malik Mumtaz,” the Director-General said.
“Measures must be taken to improve the safety of journalists in Pakistan for the sake of press freedom and freedom of expression, which are essential for democracy and rule of law. I trust that these murders will be investigated thoroughly and that their culprits will be brought to trial.” Bokova stated.
Senior journalist Malik Mumtaz was gunned down on February 27 as he was driving to his home in Miran Shah, North Waziristan. He worked for Geo News television, Jang Online News and The News International. Mumtaz is reported to have received threats connected to his reporting in the past.
Mehmood Jan Afridi was gunned down on March 1 in the city of Kalat, Balochistan where he worked for the Urdu language newspaper The Daily Intekhab. According to the Associated Press, Afridi had received threatening phone calls.
Five journalists have been killed in Pakistan since the start of 2012. They are remembered in UNESCO’s dedicated web page, UNESCO Condemns the Killing of Journalists.