Shamim Shahid
PESHAWAR, FEB 19: /DNA/ – Mehrab Afridi a young journalist from tribal district Khyber is begging for survival since the murder of his colleague Khalil Jibran Presidet Landi Kotal Press Club who was mysteriously shot dead by unknown militants on June 18th 2024 last. Both were receipts of threats and warning from militants who are active in the region from last two decades.
Talking to this scribe from an unknown location Mehrab Afridi recalled that soon after mysterious death of his colleague Khalil Jibran, he in according to police high ups had left home and shifted to Islamabad along with family. However, after couple of months, he left with no option to leave the federal capital when some mysterious persons, boarding on tented glasses vehicles frequently chasing him and his children.
Mehrab said that after Islamabad he decided to shift to Lahore, Islamabad or any other place but was uncertain about his teenager children. Finally, he decided to timely disintegrate from the family. Now he living in an unknown location and similar is the position of his family members.
In response to a question, Mehrab said that he didn’t contacted Human Rights Commission of Pakistan or any other international Human Rights protection for any support and protection. He, however, confirmed getting help from Islamabad based organization claiming helping needy journalists. He in this respect, praised high ups of District Khyber Police, who prior to Khalil Jibran targeted murder, suggested them to leave the area due to threats from militant group.
Mehrab said that after targeting murder of his colleague Khalil Jibran and abondoning his native Landi KotalTown in Khyber, he lost his journalistic job and now facing sever hardships. Earlier he was associated with a number of media organs but now he is jobless.
Mehrab said that now he [passing through sever security, economic and other issues and on such grounds, he requested help and support from national and international bodies working for the rights of suffering humans including journalists.
