PFUJ: Suspected abduction of a Pakistani reporter Muhammad Iqbal Mengal

Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has shown its deep concern over the suspect abduction
of a Pakistani reporter while he was performing his duties in Afghanistan and demanded the
Afghan & Pakistan authorities to ensure his safe rescue.
A reporter from Pakistan Muhammad Iqbal Mengal has been missing for two days in
Afghanistan. Muhammad Iqbal Mengal, an employee of 92 News group, was deputed in
Afghanistan to cover the ongoing political situation there. He performed his duties in two
cities Qandhar and Herat and then moved to Kabul for reporting purposes. He was on live
beeper in a political talk show “the Last hour” of 92 News Pakistan after blasts at Kabul
airport two days ago when his phone went silent. It was presumed that some technical
problem had occurred but his family has told that Iqbal Mengal’s phone was not in contact
for two days and there was no clue about his whereabout.

His colleague from Afghanistan has disclosed that Iqbal Mengal had been receiving threat
calls from a suspect Indian cell number after beepers that he would have to face
consequences for reporting positive role of the Afghan Talban after they took over control.
His colleague further reported that Iqbal Mengal went to hospital after blasts to have video
clips of the injured persons. He made a last call to him for guidance of the route back from
the hospital but later he had no contact and his phone went silent.

Iqbal Mengal’s employer organization has reported the matter to the authorities in Pakistan
and Afghanistan for his safe rescue.

The PFUJ President GM Jamali and Secretary General Rana Muhammad Azeem strongly
condemned this suspect abduction of Pakistani journalist in Kabul and demanded the
authorities in both countries Pakistan and Afghanistan to make all out efforts to rescue the
reporter Muhammad Iqbal Mengal. “The suspect abduction of a journalists in the line of
duty is an international crime. We call upon the International media organizations to play
their role for safe rescue of the abducted Pakistani journalists,” PFUJ leadership added.

Source:  IFJ