MINGORA: The civil society members, elders, literati, political activists, traders and journalists here on Tuesday paid tribute to martyred journalist Musa Khankhel for doing professional tasks fearlessly during Swat insurgency.

They gathered in a ceremony held to observe the 11th death anniversary of the journalist, who was martyred in Matta tehsil on Feb 18, 2009.

The speakers said Musa Khankhel was a brave and active journalist, who continued to work during the militancy period.

“Musa Khankhel was among those, who performed their journalistic duty fearlessly during the times of insurgency. Besides him, three other journalists were also martyred during that period but unfortunately, the government did not acknowledge their martyrdom and services,” said senior journalist Niaz Ahmad Khan.

He said a journalist award should be initiated in Musa Khankhel’s name for Swat reporters.

Speakers in Swat function say doing journalism in Pakistan tough

Senior journalist Mehboob Ali said Musa Khankhel might be dead but he would continue to live in the hearts and minds of Swati people.

Journalist Sherinzada said Feb 18, 2009, was a painful day for him due to the martyrdom of close friend Musa Khankhel.

Journalist Rehmat Ali Khanji said doing journalism in Pakistan was a hard job and the martyrdom of four journalists, including Musa Khankhel, proved it.

The speakers said more than 3,500 people were martyred by Swat insurgents but their sacrifices led to the restoration of peace in the region.

District information officer Ibne Amin said the journalists waged a war on insurgents using their pen.

Swat Press Club chairman Shehzad Alam said Musa Khankhel was the pride for journalists and people of Swat.

Swat Traders Federation president Abdur Rahim Khan said all residents of Swat were thankful to journalist for highlighting their issues bravely during the times of insurgency.

“Due to the bravery of journalists, we live peacefully today. They’re in the forefront of fight against militants,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2020