GHOTKI: A local journalist, Bachal Ghunio, was tragically shot and killed in Sindh’s Ghotki district, with locals attributing his death to dacoits. Ghunio was reportedly attacked while visiting his fields, and his body has been taken to Taluka Headquarters Ubauro Hospital as police begin their investigation.
In response to the killing, Ghunio’s family staged a protest outside the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police in Mirpur Mathelo, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Ghunio’s death marks the ninth journalist killing in Pakistan in 2024, amid a worrying increase in violence against media professionals. Recent attacks include the shooting of Malik Hassan Zaib in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the deaths of several other journalists in various regions of the country earlier this year.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of Ghunio’s murder, directing authorities to arrest the culprits promptly and to intensify operations against dacoits in the riverine areas. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon and Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi condemned the attack, with Khurshidi calling it an assault on press freedom.
The International Press Institute (IPI) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have both expressed concern over the increasing threats to journalists in Pakistan, urging the government to ensure the safety and protection of media workers.
