The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is shocked and distressed to hear of the loss of photojournalist life in Islamabad during the day-long confrontation between government forces and a religious group operating in and around the premises of the Lal Masjid on Tuesday (July 03).
"The IFJ extends its deepest condolences to the family of photojournalist, Javed Khan, a who was killed after apparently being trapped in the crossfire," said IFJ statement on Thursday.
According to IFJ affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), it is reported that Israr Ahmed, a cameraman for private news channel is still lying critically injured in hospital after being hit by three high-velocity bullets. The IFJ has extended its support and solidarity to the other wounded journalists.
The IFJ is also alarmed by reports, unconfirmed at this writing that three journalists have been trapped inside the Lal Masjid, after entering the premises for reporting on some aspects of the months-long confrontation.
In the IFJ's assessment, the circumstances require strict observance by all sides to the conflict, of the global covenant that journalists will be treated as non-combatants and allowed free passage out of danger zones if required.
"The incidents in Islamabad underline the deathly hazards that journalists in Pakistan encounter in the daily performance of their duties,' said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director, Jacqueline Park.
He said that this tragic incident reinforces earlier calls made by the IFJ to the government and media employers of implementing essential safety measures on behalf of media workers such as life insurance and complete medical cover for all journalists, photographers and cameramen.