LANDIKOTAL
The second death anniversary of slain journalist Khalil Jibran was observed with reverence at the District Press Club Khyber in Landikotal on Thursday, where journalists, political and social figures paid a rich tribute to his professional services and called for effective measures to ensure the safety of journalists in the tribal districts.
The commemorative event was attended by political and social figures, journalists and people from different walks of life. Among those present were Awami National Party (ANP) provincial council member Fazal Rahman Afridi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Haji Zarabullah Shinwari alias Haji Baba, Khyber Tolna representatives Hamidullah, Hidayat Afridi, Bakht Ali Shah Afridi, All Private Schools Association President Haji Iqbal Afridi and journalists of district Khyber.
The participants paid rich tribute to the late journalist Khalil Jibran Afridi for his dedication and services to journalism under challenging circumstances. A Quran recitation ceremony and special prayers were also held for the departed soul.
Speaking on the occasion, speakers said that Khalil Jibran continued performing his journalistic duties despite difficult security conditions and his contributions would always be remembered.
District press club Khyber president Aman Ali Shinwari said that practicing journalism in the tribal districts had become a major challenge due to the worsening security situation. He urged the government to ensure the protection of journalists’ lives and property.
He said that more than 20 journalists in the tribal districts had been assassinated in different terrorism incidents, but the perpetrators involved in the killings of slain journalists had yet to be brought to justice. He added that several cases had been closed or placed under the category of “unknown attackers”, which was a matter of serious concern.
Aman Ali Shinwari said that while the government had failed to resolve the issues faced by journalists and provide them relief, many media outlests were also denying tribal journalists proper salaries and basic facilities. He added that several press club members were still facing threats, insecurity and various forms of pressure from various fronts.He said few journalists of the district press club went underground due to facing severe life threats.
Speakers including Iqbal Afridi said that the killing of Khalil Jibran was not a big loss for journalists but it was unbearable loss for the citizens of Landikotal. He said journalists in Landikotal raise voice of voiceless people at the cost of their lives.
At the end of the ceremony, participants lit candles in memory of Khalil Jibran and paid tribute to his sacrifices for journalism.
Journalist Khalil Jibran, a resident of Landikotal in Khyber district, was shot dead by unidentified armed men on June 18, 2024. He was a former president of the District Press Club Khyber and was known for reporting on local issues, security affairs and public concerns. His killing was widely condemned by journalist organizations and civil society groups, who demanded a transparent investigation and the arrest of those responsible.
