Quetta: Provincial Information Minister Mohammad Younus Mullazai on Wednesday said that prevailing environment has endangered the lives of hundreds of journalists working in various media outlets in Balochistan. Talking to media persons during his visit to Press Club here to handover the withdrawal copy of the FIR lodged against the journalists for allegedly violating the red zone area during their protest against the killing of journalist in Khuzdar.
Balochistan journalists were vulnerable as they have to perform their duties despite the life threat and pressure exerted on them by the different forces, the minister said adding the he had discussed the volatile situation with the Chief Minister Balochistan who had invited the journalist bodies to discuss issues faced by the their fraternity.
Expressing grave concern over the killing of journalists in parts of Balochistan, he said that the elements involved in these acts would be brought to justice. “The provincial government would grant compensation to the journalist killed in Khuzdar,” he maintained.
Referring to the protest staged by the media persons against the killing of their colleagues in parts of the province, the minister reiterated the government resolve as saying “we believe in the freedom of expression and will continue to supporting the media.” To, a question, he said that we are too concern over the hazards faced by the journalists adding all-out efforts would be made to secure the lives of those working for the noble cause. Director General Public Relations Kamran Asad, DPR, Shehzada Farhat, General Secretary Press Club Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, President Balochistan Union of Journalists and other senior journalists were also present.