Mukarram Khan Atif, Pakistani reporter, gunned down by militants
Pakistani paramedics examine the body of a local journalist killed in an attack, at a hospital in Peshawar on January 17, 2012.
Police say Islamist militants gunned down journalist Mukarram Khan Atif at a Pakistani mosque Tuesday near Peshawar, the Associated Press reported.
Police officer Jahan Zada Khan said Atif was shot in the head while praying in the mosque.
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No organization has so far claimed responsibility behind the attack, but Taliban militants are suspected of being involved.
The Pakistani journalist was working for Voice of America’s Pashto language Deew Radio and was a correspondent for Dunya news channel, according to Indian press.
“The Pakistani authorities must at all costs take action to protect journalists, especially those who are subjected to threats. Otherwise, there will be no improvement in conditions,” Reporters Without Borders said in a statement.
The organization has listed Pakistan as one of the world’s most dangerous countries for reporters in the last two years.
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