QUETTA – Journalism in Pakistan remains under threat and on Press Freedom Day, the president of the Khuzdar Press Club was killed in a blast.
Khuzdar, one of populated cities in Balochistan, saw an explosion in Chamrok area, in which a person died and several others suffered injuries.
Mengal’s tragic death sent shockwaves across the journalist community, highlighting the risks faced by media personnel.
Local police told media that Mengal, who was also provincial deputy emir of JUI-F, was on his way to a mosque for Jumma when he came under attack by a magnet bomb. At least nine others, including a policeman, were among the injured and were taken to Khuzdar Teaching Hospital.
This is a message to all independent journalists in Pakistan. Look at this footage. How easily a terrorist threw a bomb inside the vehicle of Saddique Mengal, President Press Club, Khuzdar in Balochistan and killed him on the spot on #PressFreedomDay2024 @CPJAsia pic.twitter.com/fHksnCn7O2
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) May 3, 2024
Footage shared online shows terrorists planting the bomb on Mengal’s car. Meanwhile, probe are ongoing to determine the exact cause and nature of the explosion.
Police and other law enforcement agencies are working to gather evidence and apprehend the perpetrators, while the injured are receiving medical treatment.
