Pakistan: Balochistan-based journalist shot dead at his home

He was identified as Abdul Latif Baloch.

He worked for a Quetta-based newspaper.

According to reports, gunmen barged into his house and tried to take him away.

The attackers shot him dead when he tried to resist them.

He died on the spot.

The attackers escaped from the scene after killing him.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

According to Dawn News, the body of Baloch’s kidnapped son was found in Mashkey recently.

Reactions to his death

Baloch activist Hanif Baloch wrote on X: "Not even Baloch journalists are safe. Abdul Latif Baloch was executed in his home by Pakistani state forces in Mashkay. Months earlier, 8 of his family members—including his son—were killed by the same forces."

Shalee Baloch, organiser of the Baloch Women Forum, posted on X: " The egregious killing of journalist Abdul Latif in Mashkay, Awaran district, starkly highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan, necessitating immediate accountability and transparency. This incident exemplifies the systemic violence perpetrated by state officials against the Baloch people, characterized by enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The international community must acknowledge the severity of the human rights situation and pressurize the state to ensure accountability. The persistent silence surrounding the Baloch genocide is untenable, and prompt action is essential to prevent further bloodshed. Justice must, for once and all, prevail."