Pakistan must probe intelligence agencies as body of journalist is found
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 31 May 2011 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Pakistan must probe intelligence agencies as body of journalist is found, 31 May 2011, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4dec74102.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. |
Any investigation into the abduction and reported death of Pakistani journalist Saleem Shahzad must include the country's feared security and intelligence agencies, Amnesty International said today.
The body of Saleem Shahzad, who went missing on Sunday 29 May, was found close to his abandoned car in the north-west of the country Pakistani media reports say. Reports also suggest that evidence of torture was found on the body.
"Pakistan's intelligence agencies face serious allegations that they been involved the numerous killings of activists, lawyers and journalists," said Sam Zarifi, Asia-Pacific Director at Amnesty International.
"Early indications from this case suggest an alarming expansion of the kill and dump' operations previously seen mostly in Balochistan province."
"The Pakistan authorities must hold those responsible to account and protect journalists targeted merely for doing their jobs."
Saleem Shahzad had published an article on 27 May reporting on a terrorist attack at a Pakistan Naval base, and alleging links between al-Qaida and Pakistan Naval officials.
Amnesty International has since July 2010 documented the disappearances and killing of at least 100 activists, journalists, lawyers and teachers in Balochistan, with victims' relatives often blaming the security and intelligence services.
