QUETTA: On the International Day for the Elimination of Crimes against Journalists, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting journalists and promoting a free, responsible press.
In an official message, the Chief Minister stated that safe and responsible journalism is a cornerstone of a democratic society. He emphasized that the government’s top priority is to ensure the safety of journalists, who play a vital role in uncovering the truth and guiding public awareness.
CM Bugti declared that there is no place for violence or intimidation against journalists in a civilized society. He stressed that while differences of opinion are a strength of democracy, it is a collective responsibility to respect and maintain press freedom.
He expressed his hope that Balochistan’s journalists would continue their work with integrity and in the public interest, assuring them of the government’s continued support for the profession and their protection.
Meanwhile the Baloch journalist community and social media users are condemning a brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of two family members of local journalist Zahid Baloch from Zehri District.
According to Zahid Baloch’s posts on social media platform X, his family’s home in Zehri was attacked on the night of October 3 by armed men he identified as belonging to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The attack left his father and brother with serious, life-threatening injuries.
After being initially treated in hospitals in Zehri and Quetta, the two victims were transferred to Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi, where they later fell into a coma and succumbed to their injuries. In an emotional online post, the journalist confirmed their deaths, stating, “My father and brother have been martyred today.”
Zahid Baloch alleged that the assault was an act of collective punishment against him and his family due to social media posts he had made that were critical of the BLA’s narrative. “I had made some posts on social media about BLA and they took everything from me. These are very cruel people,” he wrote.
