Sindhi journalist Nasrullah Gadani murdered, World Sindhi Congress demands justice

According to Voice of America (VOA), the World Sindhi Congress (WSC) has expressed grief and outrage over the murder of Sindhi journalist Nasrullah Gadani, taking the total number of media persons killed across the country in 2024 to five.

Gadani, who was attacked and shot in Sindh’s Ghotki three days ago, succumbed to his/her injuries in a hospital in Karachi today. Nasrullah Gadani was honored for his/her commitment to truth and justice.

Despite living a life of poverty, he/she refused to be co-opted by the system, instead choosing to highlight the injustice done to the Sindhi people.

Gadani’s courageous reporting often targeted the abuses of power by feudal lords and politicians who have perpetuated widespread suffering in Sindh under the protection of the Pakistani military. his/her fearless dedication to exposing these atrocities ultimately cost him/her his/her life.

Activists and colleagues said the slain journalist had consistently highlighted the civil issues of impoverished Sindh in his/her reporting. Gadani was also critical of the region’s powerful feudal lords, which led to his/her repeated detention by police, as noted in this social media post by Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir, formerly of Twitter.

The WSC condemned the killing as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against journalists in Sindh. The organization has expressed deep concern over the possibility of justice in this case, given the region’s history of impunity.

The news of Gadani’s death sparked outrage among journalists and civil society members, leading to protests demanding justice for the slain journalist.

The WSC stressed the important role of the Sindhi community, political activists, human rights defenders and civil society organizations in continuing the fight for justice for Nasrullah Gadani and other victims of such violence.

In a statement, the WSC expressed condolences to Gadani’s family and friends. “The organization promises to honor his/her legacy by advocating his/her case and the broader issues of lawlessness in Sindh in international forums, including the United Nations,” the WSC statement said.

The murder of Nasrullah Gadani is a reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in Sindh and highlights the need for systemic reforms to protect those who speak truth to power.

The WSC’s call for justice resonates as a clarion call to action against the entrenched impunity that endangers the lives of those who dare to challenge it.

The HRCP is deeply concerned about the situation of journalists in the country, with at least three journalists reportedly targeted and killed this year alone.

Awami Awaaz journalist Nasrullah Gadani, who died of injuries today, was shot at by unidentified gunmen in Ghotki on June 21…

– Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) 24 May 2024

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, a leading independent rights watchdog, said it was “deeply concerned” by the conditions faced by journalists in the country. It urged the Sindh government to investigate Gadani’s murder and hold the perpetrators accountable.