‘Kill and dump': Baloch journalist gunned down in front of family in Pakistan
Picture source: The Balochistan point
Abdul Latif Baloch, a well-known journalist in Pakistan's Balochistan province, was shot dead inside his home in Mashkay, in the wee hours of Saturday.
The
Baloch
Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a local rights group, confirmed that he was shot by state-backed armed groups at around 3 am, in front of his wife and children, reported news agency ANI.
Latif was respected for his fearless coverage of human rights abuses and military operations in Balochistan. His work focused on enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the struggle of ordinary Baloch citizens. His death underlines the extreme risk faced by reporters in Pakistan.
This incident comes just months after his son, Saif Baloch, and seven other family members were reportedly abducted by security forces and later found dead.
Activists describe these patterns of violence as part of Pakistan's 'kill and dump' policy, used to silence dissent and suppress the Baloch identity.
Shalee Baloch of the Baloch Women Forum described the killing as part of 'systemic violence' against the Baloch people. She urged international organisations and media to intervene, saying silence from the global community is enabling further bloodshed.
Human rights groups and press freedom organisations have condemned the assassination and are calling for urgent international pressure on Pakistan with regard to Balochistan. The region has been the site of persistent and grave human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of dissenting voices.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
TTD cracks down on unauthorised use of Tirupati Laddu GI Tag: Legal notices issued, offenders suspend listings
Amaravathi (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 6 (ANI): In a decisive move to safeguard the sanctity and intellectual property of the sacred Tirupati Laddu, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated legal action against multiple unauthorized entities found selling or promoting products under the 'Tirupati Laddu' name in violation of its registered Geographical Indication (GI), TDP said in a press release. Legal notices were served through Sahadeva Law Chambers to several online platforms and vendors, including PushMyCart (Mahita LLC) and Transact Foods Limited, for unauthorised commercial exploitation of the Tirupati Laddu name and falsely associating their offerings with the temple. The legal notices highlighted that Tirupati Laddu is a protected GI under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The preparation of the laddu is done exclusively within the Tirumala temple under the supervision of TTD, following a time-honoured and sanctified process. Unauthorised use and sale of the name not only infringes legal rights but also undermines the spiritual sanctity of the offering. In response, PushMyCart acknowledged receipt of the legal notice and, showing goodwill, suspended the infringing product listings pending legal review. Several other vendors have also taken down their listings following TTD's proactive outreach. TTD EO stated, 'The Tirupati Laddu is not just a product, but a sacred prasadam with deep spiritual and cultural value. We are committed to taking all necessary legal steps to prevent its misuse and to protect the trust of crores of devotees worldwide.' This is among the first instances in India where a temple offering protected under the GI law has been defended through formal legal channels on international platforms. TTD continues to monitor and act against any such violations to preserve the authenticity and sanctity of temple traditions. Earlier in February 2025, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested four individuals and sent them to judicial remand in connection with the adulteration of ghee used in the Tirumala Srivari Laddu, the agency reported finding 'severe lapses' in the e-tendering process of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The CBI, acting on orders from the Supreme Court, had formed an SIT to investigate the matter. The remand report confirmed adulteration in the ghee supplied, and according to the investigating agency, AR Dairy, Vaishnavi Dairy, and Bhole Baba Dairy were involved in the case. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
Vice President Dhankar demands investigation into 'cash haul' incident involving Justice Yashwant Varma
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 6 (ANI): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday expressed concern over the recent cash controversy involving former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. A substantial amount of unaccounted cash was discovered at Justice Varma's residence after a fire broke out in mid-March. The incident has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny. He questioned the absence of an investigation into the issue and why no FIR was registered for the same. The Vice President said, 'A painful incident happened in mid-March in Delhi at the residence of a sitting judge. There was a cash haul, obviously tainted, unaccounted, illegal. And unexplained!... It appeared in the public domain after 6-7 days....' Interacting with members of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association in Chandigarh today, the Vice-President further added, 'I have raised the issue. Ultimately, is that the answer if a motion is brought to remove a judge? If there has been a crime, a culpable act shaking the foundations of democracy -- the rule of law, why wasn't it punished? We have lost more than three months, and the investigation has not been initiated. Whenever you go to court, they ask why the FIR was delayed.' Earlier on March 22, the Chief Justice of India constituted a three-member committee, comprising Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, and Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the High Court of Karnataka, to examine the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the High Court of Delhi. The committee concluded its investigation and presented its findings in a report dated May 3. Referring to the same, Dhankar questioned if the committee has 'a constitutional sanction.' 'Does the committee of judges have a constitutional sanction? Does it have statutory sanction? Can this report result in any outcome? Can this report, by itself, be actionable? If a judge removal mechanism is there, the Constitution says this removal mechanism can be initiated either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. This is the only way. Then this committee cannot substitute for an FIR investigation...,' Dhankar said. He stressed that 'even the President and Governors' are immune to prosecution 'till they are in office', and that no other body is provided with this immunity. The Vice President further hoped that an FIR would be filed soon. 'I find it very soothing and must congratulate you that the bar associations in the country are active on it. I hope an FIR is filed,' Dhankar stated. On April 5, Justice Yashwant Varma was sworn in as a judge of the Allahabad High Court under unusual and contentious circumstances. Departing from the customary public ceremony, his oath-taking was conducted privately, a decision that has garnered significant scrutiny. This development coincides with an ongoing investigation into allegations concerning the recovery of partially burnt sacks of cash at his residence weeks prior. Despite his formal induction, Justice Varma has not been assigned any judicial or administrative responsibilities, according to court insiders. His transfer from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court has been met with scepticism, particularly following the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court. The PIL urged the Chief Justice to defer the swearing-in until the inquiry reached its conclusion. The controversy has elicited strong reactions from the legal community. The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has openly criticised the Collegium's decision, expressing its disapproval through a strongly worded letter addressed to the Chief Justice and other judges. The association condemned the appointment, declaring, 'We are not a dumping ground,' and called for enhanced transparency and accountability in judicial appointments. As the inquiry progresses, Justice Varma's future role within the Allahabad High Court remains uncertain. Legal experts and observers continue to monitor developments closely, as the situation has raised broader concerns regarding judicial integrity and the processes governing appointments within India's judiciary. According to the official website of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Varma obtained his Law degree from Rewa University in 1992 and was enrolled as an Advocate on August 8 of the same year. Throughout his career, he primarily practised civil law, handling cases related to Constitutional Law, Industrial Disputes, Corporate Matters, Taxation, Environmental Issues, and related fields. He served as special counsel for the Allahabad High Court from 2006 until his elevation in 2012. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- India Gazette
"Pakistan saw its doomsday" on night of May 6 during Operation Sindoor: PM Modi
Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 6 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Pakistan 'saw its doomsday' on the night of May 6 during Operation Sindoor, a deep strike mission that he said left the Pakistan Army and terrorists stunned. Addressing a public gathering in J-K's Reasi, PM Modi said, 'Remember, exactly one month ago, on the night of May 6, Pakistan saw its doomsday. Now, whenever Pakistan hears the name of Operation Sindoor, it will remember its shameful defeat. The Pakistani Army and terrorists had never thought that India would attack terrorists hundreds of kilometres inside Pakistan in such a way...' He said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the strength of Aatmnirbhar Bharat and praised the armed forces for their trust in 'Make in India.' 'You have seen how Operation Sindoor has shown the power of Aatmnirbhar Bharat. Today, the world is discussing India's defence ecosystem. There is only one reason behind this. Our army's trust in Make in India. Every Indian has to repeat what the army has done...' he said. He also urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in Mission Manufacturing, announced in this year's budget. 'I want to ask the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to join this mission... Your ideas and skills will take India's economy and security to new heights,' he said. The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance for families affected by border shelling. He said houses fully damaged by cross-border shelling would receive Rs 2 lakh, while partially damaged houses would be given Rs 1 lakh. 'The suffering of more than 2000 families affected by shelling is also our own suffering... Now, those houses which have suffered heavy damage will be given Rs 2 lakh, and those partially damaged will receive Rs 1 lakh more,' he said. He also highlighted security and infrastructure in the border areas, saying that two border battalions have been formed for the Jammu and Kashmir division, the work for forming two women battalions has also been completed, and more than Rs 4,2000 crore is being spent to improve infrastructure along the international border. 'New infrastructure worth hundreds of crores is being developed in the conflict-prone areas near our international border,' the PM said. PM Modi also made a strong pitch for promoting indigenous products as an act of patriotism. 'We have to take another resolution: we have to prioritise goods made in India, created by the sweat of our countrymen. This is patriotism. This is service to the nation. We have to increase the honour of our Army on the border and increase the pride of Make in India in the marketplace,' he added. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated several key infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. These included the Chenab Railway Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, and the Anji Bridge, India's first cable-stayed rail bridge. He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Katra Railway Station, enhancing direct connectivity between the Jammu division and Kashmir. (ANI)
