JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 28, 2024 at 12:05 am | JP Staff Report
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ISLAMABAD—Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken decisive action following the tragic killing of journalist Mohammed Bachal in Ghotki's Rounti area. Bachal, a reporter for Awaaz TV, was gunned down by dacoits in a region plagued by organized criminal gangs.
In response to this grave incident which marks the 9th journalist murder in Pakistan in 2024, CM Shah has directed Sindh Inspector-General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon to immediately apprehend those responsible for Bachal's murder. The Chief Minister has also ordered an escalation of the ongoing anti-dacoit operations in southern Sindh, a region long affected by criminal activities including kidnap-for-ransom.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has summoned an urgent report on the incident from Ghotki's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). Lanjar emphasized the need for advanced technical tools to trace the culprits and has called for an accelerated anti-dacoit campaign with increased police reinforcements.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the murder and called for immediate action against those responsible. PFUJ also criticized the delay and negligence of the police in handling such cases and demanded justice for Bachal and compensation for his family.
This killing marks a disturbing trend in Pakistan, where the safety of journalists continues to be a pressing concern.
December 15, 2024: Journalist Malik Zafar Iqbal Naich was tragically shot dead in Rahim Yar Khan while distributing newspapers. The IFJ and PFUJ strongly condemn the killing, urging swift justice amid Pakistan's deteriorating safety for journalists.
November 22, 2024: Young journalist Jinan Hussain becomes Pakistan's 11th media casualty of 2024 in a devastating attack on a passenger convoy in Kurram district that claimed 41 lives near the Afghan border.
July 14, 2024: In Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, journalist Malik Hassan Zaib was shot and killed by motorcycle assailants. The Khyber Union of Journalists and Peshawar Press Club have condemned the attack, calling for swift justice. This marks the third journalist killing in the region within two months.
June 18, 2024: Khyber News Television correspondent Khalil Jibran was tragically shot dead in Landi Kotal, District Khyber. The journalist, who had previously received threats, was ambushed and killed while returning home. This incident highlights the growing dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan.
May 24, 2024: Journalist Nasrullah Gaddani, known for highlighting civic issues in Sindh, was fatally shot in Kori Goth. Despite facing repeated arrests and threats, he continued his courageous reporting. His death underscores the dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan and calls for stronger protection and justice.
October 24, 2022: Renowned journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was tragically shot and killed in Kenya. His wife, Javeria Siddique, confirmed the devastating news on social media, urging the public to refrain from speculation. Sharif, who was well-known for his work with ARY News and received the Pride of Performance Award in 2019, had joined BOL News.
February 18, 2022: Athar Mateen, a senior producer at Samaa TV, was tragically shot dead during a robbery in North Nazimabad, Karachi. Sindh's authorities and Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice.
January 24, 2022: Hasnain Shah was on his way to Lahore Press Club when pillion-riding assailants opened fire on his vehicle
April 11, 2025 Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025 The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025 Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025 The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025 Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.