BRUSSELS-
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has termed Pakistan the most dangerous country for media in 2014, private media reported.
Pakistan outscored other countries with the considerable number of 14 journalist, killed in the country in 2014 alone.
According to the IFJ, the total number of journalists who died in targeted killings, bomb attacks or shootings mounted to 118 in 2014 from 105 the year before.
Syria stood second in the list, with killings of 12 journalists.Nine killings each occurred in Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories. Eight journalists each were killed in Iraq and Ukraine.
While American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff were brutally beheaded by Islamic State militants.
According to the Brussels-based organisation, its figures were a reminder of the growing threats to journalists.
Demanding the governments to provide protection to journalists ,IFJ President Jim Boumelha said “It is time for action in the face of unprecedented threats to journalists who are targeted not only to restrict the free flow of information, but increasingly as leverage to secure huge ransoms and political concessions through sheer violence.”
He further added,“As a result, some media organisations are weary of sending reporters to war zones out of fear for their safety, even of using material gathered by freelancers in these areas. Failure to improve media safety will adversely impact the coverage of war which will be poorer for lack of independent witnesses.”
