Over 40 Journalists Have Lost Their Lives While Performing Duties in Balochistan: BUJ Seminar

QUETTA: The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) organized a seminar at the Quetta Press Club to commemorate the Martyrs of Journalism Day in Balochistan, with journalists, lawyers, human rights representatives, social workers, analysts and families of slain journalists in attendance.

BUJ President Manzoor Ahmed Rind, PFUJ Senior Vice President Noorullah Bugti, Quetta Press Club President Irfan Saeed, BUJ General Secretary Shah Hussain Tareen, social activist Fauzia Shaheen, senior journalist and analyst Imtiaz Gul, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Balochistan chapter Chairperson Muhammad Kashif Panezai, Quetta Bar Association General Secretary Mir Fahad Mengal, and journalist Shoaib Raisani, brother of slain journalist Wahid Raisani, addressed the seminar.

The speakers paid rich tribute to journalists who lost their lives while performing their professional duties, saying their sacrifices for peace, democracy, freedom of expression and public rights would always be remembered.

They also praised the courage and patience demonstrated by the families of the deceased journalists, describing their resilience as commendable.

The speakers said people from various sections of society, including journalists, had sacrificed their lives while performing their duties. They stressed that such sacrifices had strengthened the struggle for peace, justice and freedom of expression.

According to the speakers, more than 40 journalists have been killed in Balochistan while performing their professional duties. They said the journalism profession in the province continues to face serious difficulties, restrictions and obstacles.

They alleged that the government was using laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to control electronic media and journalists and restrict freedom of expression. The speakers said journalism had become one of the most difficult professions in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, while threats facing journalists had increased further.

The participants expressed their resolve to continue supporting the families and children of their martyred colleagues and vowed never to leave them alone.

The seminar concluded with prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased journalists.