Press release
UNESCO Director-General condemns killing of journalist Jam Saghir Ahmed Lar in Pakistan
I condemn the killing of Jam Saghir Ahmed Lar. Journalists must be protected from all forms of violence and authorities should assess threats thoroughly as a preventive measure. I urge the authorities to investigate this killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Jam Saghir Ahmed Lar was a correspondent for the Daily Khabrain newspaper. He also contributed to other local news outlets in Khanpur, and he was active on social media posting about politics and current affairs. Lar had reportedly received death threats linked to his work. Reports suggest he was shot and killed by three armed individuals.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed” – UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
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