Gender-based violence remains a serious problem in Pakistan, where more than 1,300 killings linked to domestic violence have been reported over the past year.
The killing of Pakistani television news anchor Rabia Ahsan has caused shock and grief across the country. Ahsan, who hosted a current affairs programme on a private television channel, was found shot dead at her home in Rawalpindi. Her husband was arrested shortly afterwards in connection with the shooting, although he claimed it had been accidental.
This is not the first time in recent years that a female journalist in Pakistan has fallen victim to violence by a partner or husband, reflecting abuse by current or former partners. In 2019, young reporter Arooj Iqbal was killed by her former husband. In 2020, Balochistan journalist Shaheena Shaheen, who hosted a talk show on Pakistan’s state television, was also shot dead in her home. Article: Rithy
