Baloch Journalist Abdul Latif Baloch Killed in Front of Family, PEC Demands Independent Probe

Geneva, May 24, 2025 – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a global media safety and rights watchdog, has strongly condemned the killing of veteran Baloch journalist Abdul Latif Baloch and demanded a credible and transparent investigation into the murder, which allegedly involved a Pakistani state-backed militia.

Abdul Latif Baloch, 55, who worked with Daily Intekhab and Aaj News, was gunned down in front of his wife and children in Mashkay, Awaran district, Balochistan, in the early hours of Saturday. His family and colleagues have accused Pakistan’s state-sponsored militias of orchestrating the assassination, calling it a targeted act of intimidation against journalists in the restive province.

PEC President Blaise Lempen expressed deep concern over the killing, calling for an “authentic probe” to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We condole the untimely demise of Abdul Latif Baloch. He becomes the 65th journalist killed globally since January 1 this year. The situation in Balochistan remains volatile as local residents demand freedom, and Islamabad continues its crackdown using force,” Lempen said.

Nava Thakuria, PEC’s representative for South and Southeast Asia, noted that the attack on Abdul Latif followed a pattern of systemic targeting. “Just weeks ago, four members of his family were abducted and killed by security forces. The authorities in Pakistan have not acknowledged the deaths, let alone begun any investigation,” Thakuria added.

The murder of Abdul Latif Baloch follows the April 11 killing of Sindhi journalist Allah Dino Shar in Khairpur. Pakistan recorded 12 journalist killings last year, making it one of the most dangerous countries for media professionals.

Rights groups, journalists’ unions, and international observers have renewed calls for press freedom and accountability in Pakistan amid a growing pattern of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and harassment of journalists, especially in regions like Balochistan and Sindh.