33 journalists killed in 6 years across Pakistan: Freedom Network report

A total of 33 journalists were killed in six years across the country, while seven journalists were killed from November last year till October this year.

In a recent report released by Freedom Network on the culpability of journalists and their killings in Pakistan, the Pakistan Impunity Score Card has also been released, whose figures are of great concern.

The report is published on the International Day for the Elimination of Crimes against Journalists, which is celebrated by the United Nations (UN) on November 2 every year.

According to Pakistan Impunity Score Card, between 2013 and 2019, 33 journalists were killed, out of which 32 filed an FIR, in which police could submit charge sheets in only 20 cases or 60% of cases.

According to the report, out of 33 cases, the courts declared only 20 cases as subjects for trial, out of which only 6 cases, i.e. 18%, completed the prosecution and trial.

In only one of the six cases where the trial was completed, the killer was convicted, but he also managed to escape the conviction after filing an appeal, after which the victim’s journalist family withdrew from pursuing justice due to lack of resources.

The figures also include the seven journalists who were killed between November 2018 and October 2019.

According to the Freedom Network, Pakistan counts as one of the country’s most prone to journalist killings.