The South Asia Media Commission (SAMC) is appalled by the brutal and targeted killing of a Sawat journalist–Musa Khankhel, correspondent of The News and Geo TV in the conflict-plagued region of Mingora.

The brave journalist — who knew that he will be killed for his work as a journalist in Swat — was kidnapped in Matta Tehsil of Sawat where he was covering the visit of Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat Muhammadi’s chief Maulana Sufi Mohammad, who is on a peace mission in Swat, from Mingora to Matta.

His execution after kidnapping and his bullet ridden body show that his assailants have a clear cut motive which can only be achieved through silencing his voice forever, said N, Ram, and Najam Sethi, president and secretary general of SAMC.

In a prèss release, they denounced this heinous crime while expressing their fear for a predictable worsening situation for the media-persons in this region.

Musa is the fourth journalist who was killed in the line of fire in 2009, the highest number in the beginning of any year so far.

“We appreciate a quick and prompt response from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yosuf Reza Gilani who ordered the provincial authorities to investigate the matter and submit the report, but we demand an end to the culture of impunity, said the SAMC officebearers.

A thorough and independent investigation should ensure punishment of the killers who always remain at large encouraging a rise in killing and attacks on media-persons in Pakistan.

The SAMC has noted with concern that the country has been facing information deficit regarding conflict regions and the little access to information it has because of journalists like Musa who had to pay the price for his bravery and freedom of expression. The SAMC has voiced its concern at the deteriorating security situation in conflict zones making them “no go areas for journalists and demanded the government to ensure full protection and safety for media-persons.

SAMC extends its full support to the bereaved family of Musa, the press release said .