Journalist Nasrullah Gadani from Ghotki was critically injured in an assassination attempt on May 21, sustaining four gunshot wounds to the chest. He was airlifted from Ghotki to Karachi for treatment but sadly passed away four days later.
On the night of June 12, journalist Abdul Sami Choliati was fatally shot by unknown assailants. Choliati had worked for Mehran News TV and later for the weekly magazine Karampur Times. His brother, Nazir Choliati, noted that Abdul Sami was also a primary school teacher. An FIR has been filed against the suspects at Karampur police station.
On the night of May 29, journalist Haider Mastoi and his cameraman Khan Muhammad Patafi were stopped by three motorcyclists near Achi Qabion. After confirming their identities, the assailants shot Haider Mastoi six times, leaving him seriously injured. He is currently receiving treatment in a private hospital in Karachi.
Condemnations from Journalistic Organizations
Lalah Asad Pathan, finance secretary of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), told DW that, according to an IFJ report, 148 journalists have been murdered in Pakistan, with 48 killed over their reporting and 100 due to personal issues. He highlighted three main reasons for these killings: exposing corruption by local power brokers, targeting by extremists in Balochistan and KP, and repercussions from state agencies for unfavourable reporting.
Pathan emphasized that no one should have the right to kill journalists for speaking the truth. The PFUJ condemns all such incidents and vigorously advocates for implementing the Journalist Protection Bill.
Several suspects involved in the murders of journalists have been arrested, and police, with the help of Rangers, are conducting operations in rural Sindh to capture more. He expressed optimism that the remaining suspects would soon be apprehended, noting that many hideouts, including those in Sukkur, have been demolished.
