The
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Pakistani authorities
to launch an immediate inquiry in the murder of Mujeebur Rehman Saddiqui,
senior correspondent of Daily
Pakistan newspaper who was shot dead by gunmen yesterday in the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa region, north
west of Pakistan.
"The
authorities must move fast to catch the killers of our colleague," said Aidan
White, IFJ General Secretary. "This second murder of a journalist in as many
days puts media on notice for more attacks and they must be stopped."
According to Pakistan
Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), an IFJ affiliate, Mujeebur, 39, was shot
dead by unidentified gunmen as he was leaving the mosque after evening prayers.
The PFUJ says militants are suspected for the journalist's murder as he had
reportedly received death threats from armed groups for his independent
reporting.
The victim, a
talented poet, had worked as a journalist for the last 20 years and was a
founder member of the Malakand Press Club, says the PFUJ which has also
demanded an investigation into his murder.
The killing of Mujeebur
comes two days after another journalist, Misri Khan was
gunned down in Hangu, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on 13 September. Khan,50,
worked for Daily Ausaf newspaper and
was President of the Hangu Union of Journalists.
The IFJ says that journalists in remote areas of
Pakistan are victims of the lawlessness which is being exploited by ruthless
groups who rule through violence.
"The authorities must restore law and order in this
region to ensure that civilians, including journalists are protected," added
White.
For
more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents
more than 600.000 journalists in 125 countries
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- IFJ Calls for Prompt Inquiry into Murder of Senior Journalist in Pakistan