Pakistan: bomb detonated outside journalists’ home
NUJ urges authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack, amid rising threats to journalists in the country.
The National Union of Journalists has joined the International Federation of Journalists in condemning an attack against reporter Syed Yasir Shah at his home in Kohat.
On 21 March, an unknown group detonated a bomb and shot at the senior journalist. He had received threatening calls and letters from anonymous militants on several occasions.
Although Shah’s house was damaged by the attack, no individuals were harmed and the Counter-Terrorism Department Police has since opened an investigation. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has called on authorities to arrest and imprison those responsible.
The IFJ said:
“Threats and attacks against journalists are unacceptable, and severely limit freedom of expression. Journalists and media workers should be able to report and conduct their duties without fear of reprisal or violence. The IFJ urges Pakistani authorities to protect journalists in the country and to uphold their international obligations under the Pakistani Constitution regarding media and press freedom.”