MINGORA: The 17th death anniversary of slain journalist Musa Khankhel was observed at the Swat Press Club on Monday
Members of the journalist community, government officials and people from various walks of life gathered to pay tribute to his sacrifice.Speaking on the occasion, Malakand Division Commissioner Masood Ahmad said that the sustainable peace currently prevailing in Swat was the result of countless sacrifices.
He said that people of Swat, police and security forces had rendered matchless sacrifices for the restoration of peace, which could never be forgotten.The commissioner stressed that maintaining the present peaceful environment was a collective responsibility.
He urged the people of Malakand Division to promote harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect, and to refrain from becoming part of any negative activity or rumour.Deputy Inspector General , Malakand, Fida Hassan Shah, said that the sacrifice of slain journalist Musa Khankhel would always be remembered, adding that he had laid down his life for peace and his services could never be forgotten.
Senior journalist and Geo News bureau chief, Mehboob Ali, demanded that the government fulfil its promises made to the slain journalist’s family, expressing concern that the accused involved in his killing had yet to be arrested.Swat Press Club Chairman Fazal Rahim Khan also urged Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani to honour the commitment to allot a plot in Islamabad to Musa Khankhel’s family.
He said Khankhel had sacrificed his life for peace and truth in Swat, making it the government’s responsibility to fulfil promises made to his family.Even after years, he added, the announcement had not been materialised, causing distress to the bereaved family.
Fazal Rahim Khan appealed to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir to play his role in ensuring implementation of the government’s commitment made to the journalist’s mother so that the family could receive justice and relief.
He reiterated that the journalist community stood firmly with the family and would continue supporting their legitimate demands.Swat Union of Journalists President Shahzad Alam said the peace in Swat was the result of sacrifices by journalists and other segments of society, adding that Musa Khankhel’s sacrifice would not go in vain and the journalist community would continue his mission.
Speaking on the occasion, his brother Essa Khankhel said the promise made by then the prime minister, now Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, to provide a plot to the family in Islamabad had still not been fulfilled.
He said his brother had sacrificed his life for journalism and peace, but the family continued to await fulfilment of official commitments.The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and for lasting peace in the country.
It is pertinent to mention that Musa Khankhel was abducted and killed allegedly by militants on February 18, 2009, during a peace rally in Matta tehsil of the Swat district. He used to work for Geo News and Daily The News International.
