Journalist Latif Baloch gunned down at home in Balochistan’s Awaran

QUETTA: Journalist Latif Baloch was tragically shot dead inside his home in the Mashkay area of ​​Awaran district in Balochistan, officials confirmed on Saturday.

According to police, unidentified gunmen barged into Baloch’s home and opened fire, killing him on the spot. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and law enforcement officials say they are probing from various angles to determine the motive behind the targeted killing.

The killing has sparked outrage within the journalism community and beyond. Leaders, members of civil society and press freedom advocates have condemned the killing, calling it another setback for press freedom in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province.

In a statement, Jamaat-e-Islami deputy chief Liaquat Baloch condemned the killing, calling it a tragic incident and a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in conflict-ridden regions.

Liaquat Baloch said the killing of senior journalist Latif Baloch was a heartbreaking incident. It is the responsibility of the government to provide security and ensure the safety of journalists.

Latif Baloch was a respected journalist known for his coverage of regional issues in Balochistan. His death adds to the growing list of journalists who have lost their lives in Pakistan, particularly in areas affected by insurgency, political instability and lawlessness.