I condemn the killing of Maulana Muhammad Siddique Mengal. He was tragically killed on World Press Freedom Day, a day dedicated to the importance of journalism, access to information and freedom of expression. I call on the authorities to investigate and prosecute this killing to the full extent of the law.
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
Maulana Muhammad Siddique Mengal was a local journalist for the daily newspaper BaKhabar, the daily newspaper Nawa e Waqt and the news agency Independent News Pakistan, as well as the President of the Khuzdar Press Club. Siddique was killed by an explosive device which detonated on his vehicle. Siddique had previously escaped an attempt on his life by two unidentified gunmen in August 2023.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
