A recent investigation exposed significant flaws in the inquiry into the 2014 killing of Pakistani journalist Shan Dahar. The probe highlighted issues such as police misconduct, political inaction, and a culture of impunity in Pakistan. Dahar was fatally shot in 2014 while reporting on medicine trafficking in Badeh, Sindh province, and his killers remain unidentified over 12 years later, underscoring the prevailing problem of impunity in the country.
The investigation, conducted by Free Press Unlimited (FPU), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) as part of the ‘A Safer World for the Truth’ project, revealed new insights into Dahar’s murder case. It concluded that the flawed investigation and lack of political will have hindered progress in solving the crime. The RSF emphasized the need for concrete actions following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitments to address crimes against journalists and ensure justice.
According to RSF data, Pakistan has witnessed the killing of 35 journalists in the past decade, with inadequate investigations into these cases. The coalition’s investigation into Dahar’s murder highlighted inconsistencies in the authorities’ narrative, with witnesses alleging coercion to provide false information. Urging increased collaboration with civil society organizations, the coalition called for a renewed effort to address the lack of resources and political determination in resolving the case.
Celia Mercier, the head of RSF South Asia Desk, emphasized the urgent need for justice in Dahar’s case, urging Prime Minister Sharif to fulfill his promises by initiating an independent investigation and enforcing laws to protect journalists. Beh Lih Yi, the Asia-Pacific Director at CPJ, condemned the prevailing impunity in journalist killings in Pakistan, stressing the government’s responsibility to apprehend and prosecute the suspects.
