Senior journalist and admin of the local social media news platform “Gwadar e-Tawar,” Javed MB, has allegedly Senreceived serious death threats from unknown individuals, triggering widespread concern among the journalist community and civil society in Balochistan.
According to fellow journalist Ain Qadir, who shared screenshots of threatening messages on social media, Javed MB was first sent a brief but ominous warning via text, followed by a phone call from an anonymous number. During the call, he was reportedly threatened with “serious consequences” for publishing a particular news report. The caller chillingly suggested that Javed should “prepare his shroud.”
Javed MB confirmed the threats, saying he has long been under pressure due to his journalistic work. “These threats are a direct assault on press freedom and the right to free expression,” he said. He added that the risks faced by journalists in Balochistan are growing, and such intimidation tactics are being used to silence independent reporting.
Journalist associations, civil society activists, and local citizens have condemned the incident, calling on the government to take immediate notice and bring those responsible to justice.
The threats come against the backdrop of increased targeting of journalists in Balochistan. In a recent case, Asif Karim Khetran — a young reporter associated with the Barkhan Press Club — was forcibly disappeared last month. Before his abduction, authorities reportedly sealed his shop after a series of threats.
Asif Karim Khetran has now confirmed his release through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Human rights activists, including lawyer and advocate for Baloch missing persons Imaan Mazari, had previously raised concerns about his disappearance, revealing that Asif had informed her about threats from military officials since 2024. According to Mazari, Asif and his family had been subjected to harassment, with relatives being abducted even before his own disappearance.
Journalist bodies and human rights organizations had strongly condemned the incident, demanding Asif’s safe recovery — a demand that has finally been met, though no accountability has followed yet.