In Pakistan, reporter goes missing following threats
Publisher | Committee to Protect Journalists |
Publication Date | 11 October 2007 |
Cite as | Committee to Protect Journalists, In Pakistan, reporter goes missing following threats, 11 October 2007, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/48243c68b.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
New York, October 11, 2007 – The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned for the safety of missing Pakistani journalist Riaz Mengal, a reporter for the regional newspaper Intikhab in Khuzdar, in the southwestern province of Baluchistan.
Mengal did not return home on October 4 and has not been seen since, according to a CPJ source and published reports. He had been receiving threats urging him to stop pursuing his investigation into the stolen vehicle trade, those sources said.
"We urge the authorities in Baluchistan to investigate this case and press for Mengal's early recovery," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. "Disappearance and abduction represent increasing risks for journalists working in Pakistan, and warrant immediate official response."
Local journalists gathered this week in Khuzdar and in the provincial capital, Quetta, in demonstrations calling on the government to find Mengal, local news reports said. The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists also issued a statement condemning what it called an abduction. Mengal is senior vice president of the Khuzdar Press Club.
In another Baluchistan case, Menir Mengal has been missing since April 4. CPJ has expressed concern that Mengal, an accountant, is being held for his involvement in a planned Baluch-language television program.