2008, the most 'dangerous year' for journalists in Pakistan

Islamabad, Dec.31 (ANI): The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has termed 2008, as the most 'dangerous year' for journalists in Pakistan.

Eight journalists were killed in different incidents in 2008 in Pakistan.

The recent upsurge in militant activities the NWFP has proved deadly for journalists to work in the region, with areas like Swat and Bajour remaining the most dangerous for reporting.

PFUJ has also criticised the government for its failure to tackle the issue, by failing to prosecute or probe any suspect in connection with the killing of the journos.

The organization has blamed both the government agencies and 'non-state actors' for rise in violence.

"Pakistan is getting dangerous and dangerous for journalists particularly for at least 200 journalists working in the tribal areas. The situation may worsen in the coming months," The Daily Times quoted the journalists union, as saying.

There has been a rise in attacks on journalist in Pakistan recently. Journalists who are involved in unravelling misdeeds of political leaders, militants or the mafia are being increasingly targeted in the country.

Mohammad Ibrahim of Express TV was killed for interviewing chief of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The interview was never aired nor was his case ever investigated.

Similarly, a correspondent of Royal TV was killed allegedly by the drug mafia after he did a special report on drugs in Pak Punjab.

Several reporters working in Peshawar have admitted that they are receiving death threats regularly. (ANI)