The International Federation of Journalists today extended its condolences to all those affected by the October 8 earthquake in the Kashmir region and is concerned for the well being of journalists who have been affected by the tragedy.
The South Asia earthquake killed more than 54,000, mostly in Pakistani-controlled areas of the disputed Kashmir region.
“The IFJ and its affiliates join the grieving over the tragic loss of life and devastation resulting from the earthquake,” said IFJ President Christopher Warren
“We know that our journalist colleagues, media workers and their families have not been immune to the tragedy,” said the IFJ President.
According to IFJ sources, approximately 50 journalists based in Balakot, Muzzafarabad, Karachi and Islamabad have been identified as killed, missing, injured or directly affected by the earthquake, through the loss of family members, their homes or in many cases both.
Sardar Hanif of daily Jang, Abdul Hafeez, editor Juraat, and his wife and Javed Iqbal Butt, photographer for daily Jinnah all lost their lives as a result of the earthquake.
A further five journalists remain missing and over twenty journalists have sustained injuries.
The IFJ applauds the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and its affiliate the Abbottabad Union of Journalists (AUJ) in their efforts to support affected journalists and their families.
“The role of journalists in the region will continue to be important in bringing news of recovery and relief efforts to local communities and to the world,” said Warren.
The IFJ urges journalists working in the Kashmir region to consider their own personal safety at all times. As in all disaster situations, trauma often manifests several weeks or months after the event.
The Australasian DART Centre for Journalism and Trauma has extensive information on reporting in disaster zones. For more information visit http://www.dartcenter.org/australasia/index.html
For more information please contact Christopher Warren +61 (0) 411 757 668
The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in over 110 countries
