MINGORA: Journalists and civil society members on Monday paid tribute to martyred correspondent Musa Khankhel for doing professional duty fearlessly.

They also said no power could subdue the voice of media persons, who were the ‘eyes and mouths’ of an oppressed society.

They gathered here to mark the 10th death anniversary of Musa Khankhel.

Besides journalists and civil society members, writers, political leaders and elders were also present on the occasion.

DADAC chairman Fazal Hakim Khan presided over the function, while DIG Malakand Saeed Khan Wazir was the chief guest. Tehsil nazim Ikram Khan, Fazal Rehman Nono and other dignitaries were also in attendance.

Musa Khankhel was killed by unidentified gunmen in Matta tehsil, where he had gone for a journalistic assignment. His killers haven’t been traced yet.

Esa Khankhel, brother of the slain journalist, thanked participants and said his brother was not only a brave journalist but also he was a very good family member.

“Musa remained a social worker and did scout activities while he was connected with spiritual activities during his life,” he said.

He complained that former PM Yousaf Raza Gilani had promised his family a residential plot but that promise hadn’t been fulfilled.

DDAC chairman Fazal Hakim Khan said the peace earned by sacrifices would always be valued and that anti-state elements won’t be allowed to sabotage peace again.

“I pay tribute to all journalists who offered sacrifices for peace in Swat, including Musa Khankhel,” he said.

DIG Saeed Wazir said Swat felt pride over his sacrifice to earn peace for the land and fought against terrorists.

“It is high time for all Pakhtuns to sit together and find the reasons for militancy and try to resolve problems and bring peace and development to our area and country,” he said.

Senior journalist Sherinzada said though journalists worked in difficult situations but the government had never acknowledged their sacrifices and efforts.

Rehmat Ali Khan said Musa Khankhel was a good teacher and had always guided his juniors. “Musa was killed by terrorists for speaking truth and for being a brave soul,” he said.

Fazal Rehman Nono said everybody in Swat suffered due to terrorism.

“The sacrifices rendered by Swati people including Musa Khankhel brought peace to Swat as they defeated extremism and terrorism,” he said.

Tehsil nazim Ikram Khan said the darkness and barbarism spread by the terrorists was eliminated by the blood of Swati people, police and journalists. Poet Shamsur Rehman Shams paid tribute to his bravery in his poetry. The journalists demanded of the government to construct a monument to recognise the sacrifices of journalists.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2019