Afghan journalist leaves Quetta after threats

KABUL’s southwestern Balochistan province, a report said on Tuesday.

Working for Voice of Germany (VoG) Pashto.

“I and my family are saying bye, bye to Quetta after life threats,” said the journalist, who left on September 6. “I’m not leaving Quetta due to my own security concerns but I’m doing it for the sake of my children’s safety.”

The Freedom Network, expressing indignation over the journalist’s forced departure, slammed the incident as an attack on the freedom of the press. “We ask the government to investigate the matter and find out who is behind these calls,” the media watchdog said.

Taseer’s departure comes days after Balochistan Union of Journalists general-secretary Irshad Mastoi and Online news agency reporter Abdur Rasool were gunned down in Quetta on August 28.

 “The organisation for which you work is controversial and reports you file go against our policies,” the caller told the 38-year-old Afghan journalist.

 “They hurled death threats and introduced themselves to be associated with an organisation,” Taseer said. He said the callers also made calls to some members of Quetta Press Club, telling them about him and his organisation.

PAN Monitor/mud

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