Unidentified assailants shot and killed journalist Abdul Latif Baloch at his home in Mashkay, Awaran district, Balochistan. The attack occurred late Friday night and sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about press freedom in the region.
The assailants broke into Baloch’s residence while he was asleep and shot him dead before fleeing the scene. Authorities have not made any arrests yet. The Levese Force has launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive. Baloch, a Daily Intikhab and Aaj News correspondent, was known for reporting on social issues and the Baloch conflict.
The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) strongly condemned the killing, describing it as part of a broader effort to silence independent voices. BUJ President Khalil Ahmed and General Secretary Abdul Ghani Kakar called Baloch a “dedicated and honest journalist” whose death highlights the severe risks faced by media professionals in Balochistan. They demanded a high-level inquiry and urged the government to arrest the culprits swiftly. “Journalists in this sensitive region face constant threats, and this attack underscores the government’s failure to protect them,” their statement read.
The egregious killing of journalist Abdul Latif in Mashkay, Awaran district, starkly highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan, necessitating immediate accountability and transparency. This incident exemplifies the systemic violence perpetrated by state officials… pic.twitter.com/9buvicj7o2
— Shalee Baloch (@ShaleeBaloch) May 24, 2025Balochistan remains volatile, with ongoing tensions between Baloch nationalists and state forces. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) alleged that state-backed militias were responsible, claiming the killing fits a pattern of “kill and dump” policies targeting dissenters. However, Daily Intikhab editor Jiyand Sajidi noted that Baloch had not reported recent threats and had shifted focus to social issues. The discrepancy raises questions about the motive, necessitating a transparent investigation.
The BUJ and global media advocates, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have called for immediate action to ensure justice and enhance journalist safety. The killing follows the murder of Baloch’s son, Saif, and other relatives in February 2025, fueling concerns about targeted attacks on families.
