In a tragic incident in the Mazarina area of Landi Kotal Tehsil, Khyber, journalist Khalil Jibran of Khyber News was killed, and his colleague was injured during a shooting. Khalil Jibran, associated with Khyber News, was returning home with his colleague Sajjad Advocate when assailants exited their vehicle and opened fire, according to DPO Salim Abbas.
The assassination of Khalil Jibran has elicited widespread condemnation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed his outrage over the killing. The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) also strongly condemned the brutal murder.
In a statement expressing deep sorrow, AEMEND highlighted the ongoing attacks on journalists in Pakistan, noting that torture, kidnapping, and threats against media professionals have become routine. This incident underscores the growing dangers faced by journalists in the region.
The funeral prayers for Khalil Jibran were attended by a large number of journalists and activists from the Khyber Network, as well as journalists from tribal districts, leaders of political and religious parties, and people from various walks of life. Thousands, including many journalists, participated in a sit-in protest, shouting slogans against the brutal killing and demanding the arrest of the perpetrators.
The assassination of Khalil Jibran has not only silenced a dedicated journalist but has also intensified calls for greater protection and justice for media professionals in Pakistan.
