The Editor-in-Chief Of Sangar Media ,Dosteen Baloch, letter to journalist forums urging them to act for the safe release of Journalist Sajid Hussain Baloch
Appeal to trace and facilitate the safe return of Senior Baloch Journalist Sajid Hussain Baloch, who has been “Missing” from Sweden since March 2nd, 2020
Dear Sir/Madam,
Pakistani regime has put a ban on Freedom of Expression and objective journalism in Balochistan and also in other parts of Pakistan. So far more than 40 journalists have been killed in Balochistan whose data is available with all journalist organizations of Pakistan.
In Balochistan killing of journalists, enforced disappearances and threats are carried out by the Pakistani regime and the religious militias supported by them. Several evidence about these incidents have been presented by many journalist organizations in their reports and meetings.
Journalists live in a constant state of fear and anxiety in Balochistan and in other parts of Pakistan, as they do not enjoy Freedom of Expression that is the basic requirement for Press Freedom. Due to the constant censorship by Pakistani regime several “journalists” desist from reporting truth and write only about issues that reinforces the narrative set by the Pakistani establishment and their selected incumbent government. The sudden disappearance of senior Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain Baloch from Sweden on March 2nd, 2020 raises several doubts in this regard. His disappearance from Sweden–a European country, is not only alarming but also puts a question mark on the safety of thousands of journalists across the world.
Sajid Hussain Baloch was the Assistant News Editor and Deputy City Editor in Pakistan’s leading English newspapers, “The News International” and “Daily Times” respectively. He had sought political asylum in Sweden after several journalists and political activists of Balochistan had either disappeared or were killed by the Pakistani regime. He then launched an online magazine in English and Balochi called “Balochistan Times.” Over the last four years Sajid Hussain Baloch was based in Sweden’s capital Stockholm. He is also pursuing a master’s degree in Balochi at Uppsala University and in this regards he moved to the city of Uppsala, Sweden on March 2nd.
And on this same day, March 2nd, Sajid Hussain “disappeared” from Uppsala. Sajid Hussain’s family and friends have not been able to contact him and he remains “missing”. The situation was reported two days later to the local police.
Sajid Hussain Baloch is a voice of truth and honesty, who with his courage and determination introduced the journalistic spirit among Baloch youth. His journalistic work clearly shows that he never compromised on truth and journalistic virtues. Even during tough times, Sajid Hussain never put down his pen and has always upheld the journalistic principles. He has reported about gross human rights violations in Balochistan despite the media blackout across Balochistan. Even after being forced to move to Sweden he did not give up his journalistic duties.
The kidnapping and killing of journalists in Pakistan and Balochistan (by the Pakistani regime) is a daily occurrence but the disappearance of such a senior Baloch journalist from a foreign country is extremely surprising.
We urge the Swedish government and to all the Journalists across the world that they take serious note of the abduction of Sajid Hussain Baloch and make active efforts to trace him and ensure his safety.
Thank you,
Dosteen Baloch
Chief Editor
Sangar Media Group
Email: sangardaily@gmail.com
Web: http://dailysangar.online/ Urdu
http://sangarpublication.org/ English
