Tragic Death of Journalist Highlights Dangers in Pakistan

A journalist, Nisar Ahmed Lehri, was killed in Mastung, Balochistan, stemming from a tribal land dispute. Both the Pakistan and Balochistan journalist unions condemned the incident and called for action. This incident follows a series of journalist attacks, raising concerns about media safety in the region.

A local journalist, Nisar Ahmed Lehri, was shot dead on Wednesday in Mastung, Balochistan, as reported by Dawn. The tragic incident occurred while Lehri was heading home, with armed men attacking and killing him on the spot. Police responded promptly, moving the body to Nawab Raisani Memorial Hospital.

Police sources confirmed that Lehri's murder was linked to a tribal clash over a land dispute. A senior officer mentioned an ongoing investigation. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) vehemently condemned the murder and urged the government to arrest the culprits.

In separate statements, PFUJ President Afzal Butt, Secretary General Arshad Ansari, and BUJ President criticized the Balochistan government's failure to protect journalists, underscoring the killing of several media persons in recent years. They highlighted Lehri's role as press secretary of the Sarawan Press Club and its impact on media personnel's safety across the province.

They argued that both remote and urban areas in Balochistan had become perilous for journalists, reflecting governmental lapses in prosecuting past offenders. They demanded justice for all journalist murders and immediate action against Lehri's killers.

Earlier incidents include the August killing of journalist Bachal Ghunio in Sindh's Ghotki district, blamed on local dacoits. His family protested for justice, citing ongoing community enmities. Sindh's Chief Minister called for swift arrests and intensified operations against criminal elements in response.

Other instances of journalist violence included the fatal shooting of Malik Hassan Zaib in July and Ashfaq Ahmed Sial in May. Muhammad Siddique Mengal died in a bomb attack the same month, highlighting the broader threat against reporters in Pakistan. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)