JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 18, 2024
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ISLAMABAD— In a tragic incident highlighting the escalating dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan, Khalil Jibran, a correspondent for Khyber News Television, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Landi Kotal Tehsil of District Khyber Tuesday evening.
According to reports, Jibran, who was also a former president of the Landi Kotal Press Club, was returning to his home in the Sultankhel area near the Pak-Afghan border in his car with a lawyer when their vehicle was intercepted by men on a motorbike. The attackers forced Jibran to disembark and then fatally shot him. The lawyer accompanying him was injured during the attack and is receiving medical treatment.
Colleagues and friends remember Jibran as a dedicated journalist who was committed to his profession despite the dangers. He had reportedly received multiple threats before this incident, a fact highlighted by journalist bodies who had called attention to the threats against him.
This tragic event underscores the perilous environment in which journalists operate in Pakistan, where threats and violence against media professionals are not uncommon. The murder of Khalil Jibran is a stark reminder of the need for greater protection and support for journalists, particularly those working in conflict-prone areas.
Journalist organizations and press freedom advocates are calling for a thorough investigation into Jibran's murder and for measures to be put in place to ensure the safety of journalists in the region.
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.
August 28, 2024: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered immediate action following the murder of journalist Mohammed Bachal in Ghotki. The government is intensifying anti-dacoit operations.
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.
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.