Armed motorcyclists shot and killed tribal digital journalist Kamran Dawar in North Waziristan border district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday – 21 May 2024 – after he shared “concerns for his life.”
Kamran Dawar, in 30s, was killed in Tappi village in Miranshah tehsil, DPO North Waziristan Rukhan Zeb Khan told local media as Kamran is the fourth journalist shot dead after Taliban-linked militancy wreaked havoc after 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
“It was a target-killing,” the police official said, adding the family did not nominate anyone directly for the murder of late Kamran Dawar. “Yes, First Information Report is registered and police has begun investigation.”
The deceased journalist left two daughters and a widow to mourn the death.
“He was very active digital journalist highlighting social issues his peoples and area were facing,” Rasool said. He is the fourth journalist killed in North Waziristan since Pakistani Taliban-linked militancy visited the area after 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
The journalist community condemned the journalist’s murder and demanded investigation to hold perpetrators of the crime to justice. A statement issued by Miranshah Press Club said that late Kamran shared his “concerns for his safety” with the press club although he was not member.
A local tribal journalist speaking on condition of anonymity told Freedom Network that Kamran told Miranshah Press Club that he was “receiving threatening calls.” However, he did not give details of these calls nor the callers’ identity.
Kamran ran Facebook and YouTube channel to report social issues in North Waziristan.
No group has claimed responsibility for his murder although. Taliban militants appear prime suspect. However, the family nominated no-one in the FIR.
A Freedom Network’s report to be released next month takes a closer look at working conditions journalists are facing after the tribal areas were merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to mainstream local population and keep them away from the influence of Taliban militants.
