The abduction and murder of journalist Saleem Shahzad is both, alarming and condemnable, and the incident should be investigated thoroughly and impartially, MNA and Jinnah Institute President Sherry Rehman said in a press statement. The body of Shahzad, who had disappeared soon after his report on the PNS Mehran attack, was recovered late Tuesday evening after he had been missing for more than 36 hours.
Several laws exist to not just protect journalists, but also those on whom they report. Arbitrary disappearances and vigilantism are, therefore, condemnable, not only because they infringe upon a citizen’s basic human rights, and stifle the freedom of the press, but also because they are harmful for democracy. “We demand that law-enforcement agencies investigate Shahzad’s disappearance and death, and bring his murderers under the purview of the law,” Rehman said.
“We stand by Shahzad’s family, friends and colleagues through these difficult times, and pray for courage to enable them to bear their loss, and for eternal peace for the soul of the departed.” Press Release