On May 24, 2025, journalist Abdul Latif Baloch was fatally shot in his home in Mashkey, Awaran district, Balochistan, after resisting a kidnapping attempt by unidentified assailants. Baloch, a correspondent for the Quetta-based newspaper Daily Intikhab and a member of the Levies force, had previously suffered the tragic loss of his son, whose body was discovered in Mashkey a few years prior. (Dawn)
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) have strongly condemned the killing, describing it as part of a broader pattern of violence aimed at silencing independent voices in the region. PFUJ leaders Khalid Khokhar and Arshad Ansari emphasized the urgent need for authorities to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. BUJ officials highlighted the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Balochistan and called for immediate government action to ensure their safety.
This incident underscores the perilous environment for journalists in Balochistan, where threats, kidnappings, and targeted killings have become alarmingly common. The international community and press freedom organizations continue to urge Pakistani authorities to take concrete steps to protect journalists and uphold the principles of free and independent media.