UNITED NATIONS, Oct 20: A top UN official has called upon the Pakistan government to investigate the killing of two journalists and bring those responsible to book.

“I condemn the murder of Abdul Khaliq and Mushtaq Khand,” said Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Irina Bokova on Friday. “I am deeply concerned about attacks on journalists and media workers in Pakistan and call on the authorities to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.”

On Sept 29, Abdul Khaliq, also known as Abdul Haq Baluch, was shot by gunmen in Khuzdar. Mr Khaliq had worked as a reporter for ARY News TV and two newspapers, the Daily Awan and Tawar.

A reporter for the privately-owned Dharti TV, Mushtaq Khand, was killed when gunmen opened fire on a public meeting in Khairpur on Oct 7.

Several other people were killed and injured in the attack, Unesco said in a press release.

“I wish a full and speedy recovery to those injured in the attack that cost Mr Khand his life,” said Ms Bokova, noting it was essential that the basic human right of freedom of expression be respected.