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May 25, 2025 – Pakistan –
Abdul Latif, a Baloch journalist known for his coverage of human rights issues in Pakistan’s troubled Balochistan province, was shot dead on May 23, 2025, in the town of Turbat. The attack, which occurred in front of his family, has been widely condemned as a targeted killing, further exposing the dangers journalists face in the region.
Latif, who worked with local media outlets and contributed to several human rights advocacy platforms, was reportedly ambushed by armed assailants while returning home. Witnesses say he was gunned down at close range in what has been described as a “kill and dump” operation — a method often attributed to security forces in Balochistan, according to local rights groups.
This killing adds to a disturbing trend of press suppression and targeted violence against journalists in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, where media workers who report on enforced disappearances, military actions, or political dissent often face threats, harassment, or worse. Latif had previously received warnings over his work, according to colleagues and local reports.
Media rights organizations and human rights defenders have condemned the murder, calling it an attack on press freedom and demanding a transparent investigation. They note that such killings rarely result in justice, with perpetrators shielded by a culture of impunity.
The incident comes amid a broader clampdown on dissent in Pakistan, with increasing restrictions on journalists, civil society actors, and activists. The Balochistan Union of Journalists and international watchdogs such as Reporters Without Borders have urged the Pakistani government to uphold its obligations under international human rights law to protect journalists and ensure freedom of expression.
Latif’s death has sparked protests in parts of Balochistan, as colleagues and supporters demand accountability. His killing not only silences another critical voice in a region plagued by unrest but also highlights the broader erosion of press freedoms in Pakistan.
The tragedy underscores the urgent need for reforms to safeguard journalists and promote media freedom in conflict-prone areas like Balochistan.
Reference –
https://www.deccanherald.com/world/journalist-shot-dead-in-pakistans-balochistan-province-3556492
