DM Digital cameraman shot dead in Pakistan

The Manchester based television channel DM Digital is mourning the death of one of its cameramen who was killed while covering clashes between the security forces and students of religious seminaries in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Javed Ahmed, a cameraman for DM Digital was killed when hit by bullet at chest, his colleagues said. He was taken to hospital but died of injuries. A second cameraman was also injured.

In a statement, DM Digital said; “We regret to inform you that our cameraman Javed Khan was murdered on Tuesday during the clashes between Rangers and the Lal Masjid students, his namaz-e-janaza was held yesterday. Our second cameraman Iftakhar Ali was severely injured and is critically ill in hospital with gunshot wounds, he was covering footage of the burning building of the Ministry of Environment.”

“This is a sad day for DM Digital and Pakistan, that the murders have still not been brought to justice, anywhere in a civilised country they would have been brought to justice in the interest of health and safety. It is time the commandos are called in to carry out their needful duty.”

“We strongly protest to the Pakistani government to take strong action before further lives are lost, as these are not only criminal but terrorist attacks.”

Few other photographers and journalists were also injured including the Bureau Chief of Geo television Absar Alam and an ARY Digital cameraman both of which were struck with a stone hitting their heads.

Reporters, cameramen and photographers alleged that the cameramen were killed and injured as the result of firing from the security forces.