Washington: The killing of Pakistani journalist Saleem Shahzad is a "shocking illustration" of the "dangerous" and "restrictive" environment for scribes in the country, Washington-based think tank Freedom House has said.
"The situation for journalists in Pakistan is becoming increasingly dangerous and restrictive as authorities step up efforts to prevent media from reporting on stories that are politically or culturally sensitive," said Paula Schriefer, director of advocacy at Freedom House.
"In recent years, Pakistan has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Media freedom is constrained by official attempts to restrict critical reporting and by a high level of violence against journalists," Schriefer said.
Freedom House has called upon Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent probe into Shahzad's murder.
Pakistanis were ranked 'Partly Free' in Freedom in the World 2011, Freedom House's annual global assessment of political rights and civil liberties, Schriefer said.
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