Journalist Lala Israfeel killed by unknown persons in Balochistan

QUETTA: Senior journalist Lala Israfeel Khan has been killed by unknown persons in a local market in Musakhel district of Balochistan.

Lala Israfeel was a fearless and fearless journalist who brought public issues, deprivations and the voice of the common people to the parliament, who has been reporting from Musakhel for Hum News and other media houses.

According to police officials, this tragic incident took place when the attackers targeted Lala Israfeel outside the shop and opened fire on him indiscriminately.

According to the younger brother of the deceased who was present at the scene, the armed men fled towards Doctors Wali Street after firing at Lala Israfeel.

As soon as the incident was reported, the police reached the spot and started the operation by collecting evidence.

According to SHO Muhammad Khan, Lala Israfel’s body has been shifted to the Civil Hospital for postmortem.

He said that a heavy contingent of police has cordoned off the area and a search operation is underway to arrest the accused.

Not only the family of journalist Lala Israfel but also the journalistic community and the entire Musakhel have been plunged into grief due to the martyrdom of Lala Israfel.

Local citizens expressed deep grief and sorrow over this tragic incident and said that Lala Israfel was a sincere public-spirited and professional journalist who always raised the voice of truth and justice. His martyrdom is a great loss for Musakhel and his services will always be remembered.

The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) has strongly condemned his murder. The union has demanded from the higher authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the murder, find out the real motives and objectives of the murder and arrest the involved elements and bring them to justice.

It should be noted that there is a continuous increase in violent incidents against journalists and media professionals in Pakistan.

According to data released by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), at least 137 confirmed incidents of targeting journalists were reported across the country during the last year 2025, including the murder of 8 journalists.

In addition, 35 incidents of physical violence and abuse against journalists, 2 journalists injured while performing their duties, 5 detained, 2 kidnapped and 4 incidents of raids and attacks on media houses or properties were recorded last year.