On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced his government would take measures to ensure investigations and prosecutions for crimes against journalists. However, this pledge comes amid a long-standing pattern of unfulfilled promises, with 35 journalists killed in Pakistan in the last decade with no substantial investigations launched, according to data from Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
A Case Study in Impunity
The 2014 murder of journalist Shan Dahar exemplifies this issue. Dahar, working with Abb Takk Television, was shot and killed on January 1st in Badeh, Sindh province, while reporting on medicine trafficking. More than 12 years later, his killers remain at large.
A coalition of press freedom organizations – Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and RSF – unified under the banner of “A Safer World for the Truth” to conduct an independent investigation into Dahar’s death. Their findings point to a flawed investigation and a lack of political will as the primary reasons the case remains unsolved.
Evidence Contradicts Official Accounts
The investigation, titled “Truth Denied: How Pakistani Authorities Built An Unsolvable Case,” utilized videos and photos to reconstruct Dahar’s final movements. This evidence suggests the official account of the crime is improbable. The full report is available on the FPU website.
The investigation also revealed allegations of misconduct within the police force, including arrests made solely for extortion. Two witnesses stated they were coerced into providing false information.
Authorities, the investigation found, disregarded evidence suggesting Dahar was targeted due to his reporting on medicine trafficking. Footage shows Dahar filming inside a local clinic and purchasing drugs at a nearby pharmacy shortly before he was shot. He had previously accused Dr. Kandhro, the head of the clinic, of involvement in the illegal trade. Dr. Kandhro was among those initially tasked with treating Dahar after the shooting, but both doctors were later suspended for negligence, contributing to his death. Neither doctor has been investigated by police.
Requests for comment from Dr. Kandhro and the Pakistani police went unanswered. The coalition is now urging Pakistani authorities to collaborate with civil society organizations to address resource limitations and bolster the political will needed to resolve this case, following promises made by Prime Minister Sharif.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shan Dahar investigating at the time of his death?
Shan Dahar was investigating the illegal reselling of donated medicine distributed to local hospitals.
What did the independent investigation reveal about the police investigation?
The investigation revealed a flawed investigation, allegations of police misconduct including arrests for extortion, and coerced witness testimony.
What is the coalition urging Pakistani authorities to do?
The coalition is urging Pakistani authorities to intensify collaboration with civil society organizations working for press freedom.
What steps can be taken to ensure journalists are able to report safely and without fear of retribution?
