PESHAWAR: Irshadullah Khan, a journalist from the Oweer Valley of Upper Chitral, who works as news editor Muslim Today and reporter for ChitralToday, has gone missing from his residence in Peshawar, raising concerns among journalist unions and press freedom advocates.
According to senior journalists, Khan was reportedly picked up by unidentified individuals in the early hours of Friday morning.
Leaders of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ – Workers), including President Shamim Shahid and Secretary General Raja Riaz, have strongly condemned the incident and called for the immediate release of Irshadullah Khan.
While no official statement has been issued by any security agency, PFUJ Workers representatives stated that Khan was taken into custody by security personnel. Some officials have privately confirmed his detention in discussions with the Peshawar Press Club and the Khyber Union of Journalists.
PFUJ Workers leaders have appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior federal and provincial authorities to take urgent notice of the case and ensure Khan’s safe and prompt return.
The incident has raised alarm over the safety of journalists and freedom of the press in Pakistan.