Journalist martyred in blast on press freedom day

A remote-controlled blast has claimed life of a journalist and two others on the National Highway in Khuzdar.

Police and rescue sources said that the explosion took place on Sultan Ibrahim Khan Road, which left three people, including a journalist dead and eight others injured.

The dead journalist has been identified as Muhamad Siddiq Mengal, the president of Khuzdar Press Club.

Police said the remote-controlled explosion targeted a vehicle in which the journalist was travelling.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid a glowing tribute to the journalists and media workers on the eve of World Press Freedom Day.

In his message, the prime minister said the male and female journalists who sacrificed their lives in Gaza are heroes of humanity.

Fighting oppression and bringing the truth is the message of the day, he said, adding freedom of expression and journalism is the foundation of democracy.

The media and all parties have to work together for accurate information, the prime minister said. “I strongly believe in media and freedom of expression,” he said.

We will play an active role for the improvement of the media industry, the prime minister pledged.