The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)strongly condemn the murder of a journalist in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province on September 29.

Television reporter Abdul Haq was leaving the Khuzdar Press Club when unknown gunmen opened fire and killed him instantly, according to reports from the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).

Mr Haq had worked for ARY TV Channel for the past seven years and was also the General Secretary of Khuzdar Press Club.

The PFUJ has issued a statement strongly condemning the killing and demanding an inquiry into the incident, saying the situation in Balochistan is deplorable, especially in Khuzdar.

Journalists had been receiving threats from unknown sources and were being targeted with impunity, according to the PFUJ.

“We condemn brutal killing of Abdul Haq in what appears to be a targeted attack, and extend our condolences to his family and colleagues. We also join the PFUJ in calling for an immediate investigation into his brutal killing,” IFJ Asia Pacifc Director Jacqueline Park said.

Haq is survived by his wife and two sons.

Pakistan is ranked as the world’s most dangerous country to work as a journalist, and at least five journalists have been killed in Khuzdar alone in the last few years.

There has been an alarming increase in the targeted killing of journalists in Balochistan in particular, in recent years.

The PFUJ/IFJ report on the State of Journalism in Balochistan Province, released on World Press Freedom Day 2012, is available on the IFJ website here.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0918

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