Abdul Latif
Awaran, Pakistan: Abdul Latif, a 55-year-old Baloch journalist associated with Daily Intekhab and Aaj News, was fatally shot in Mashkay, Awaran, Balochistan. According to his family and colleagues, the attack was carried out by state-sponsored militia, raising serious concerns about the safety of journalists in the region.
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a Geneva-based global media safety and rights organisation, expressed profound shock at the killing, which occurred in front of Latif’s wife and children. PEC President Blaise Lempen condemned the act, stating, “We mourn the loss of Abdul Latif Baloch and urge Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.” He noted that Latif is the 65th journalist killed worldwide in 2025, highlighting the escalating dangers faced by media professionals.
The PEC’s South and Southeast Asia representative, Nava Thakuria, revealed that just weeks prior, four members of Latif’s family were abducted and killed by security forces, with no acknowledgement or investigation from Pakistani authorities. Balochistan remains a volatile region, marked by ongoing conflict between Baloch nationalists seeking independence and Pakistani forces suppressing their movement.
Pakistan has seen a disturbing rise in violence against journalists, with 12 media workers killed in 2024 alone. Earlier this year, Sindhi journalist Allah Dino Shar was murdered on April 11 in Khairpur. The PEC reiterated its call for accountability, emphasising that impunity for such crimes undermines press freedom and democracy.
– global bihari bureau
