Mukarram Khan Atif

Mukarram Khan Atif (died 17 January 2012) was a Pakistani journalist and reporter working for Dunya News and Deewa Radio. He was killed in Pakistan on 17 January 2012 by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan because of his anti-Taliban reporting. He was the first reporter killed in Pakistan in 2012.

Personal life Mukarram Khan Atif had one wife and no children. He had arrangements to marry a second wife in February 2012. He had two brothers, the younger one named Muslim Khan. Mukarram Khan Atif and his family were native to the Mohmand tribal region. They were relocated after receiving threats from militants to Shabqadar, a subdivision of the Charsadda district roughly 15 miles north of Peshawar. He had been working for Deewa Radio since 2006. Local police officers told reporters that two armed men came in and killed him with several shots, some to the head. They fled on motorcycles. Nasruminallah, an Imam at the mosque, was also injured in the attack.

Tehrik-i-Taliban claim responsibility Ehsanullah Ehsan, a spokesperson for the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, claimed responsibility for Atif's murder.

Reactions Many people condemned Mukarram Khan Atif's murder. The list includes:

The United States embassy in Pakistan. On 18 January 2012 The United States Embassy in Pakistan condemned Atif's murder stating .Mr. Atif's reporting on security and extremism from the tribal belt brought to light the threat extremism poses to the peace and stability of Pakistan and the region.. We admire his commitment to finding the truth wherever it led him, in accordance with the highest principles of his profession. We urge a full and transparent investigation that identifies the culprits of this crime and brings them to justice. The United States stands in solidarity with the journalists of Pakistan. A free and open press is the best guarantee of the freedom and security of the Pakistani people." Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Dr. Firdous Ashiq Aawan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Chaudhry, acting president for Pakistan Federal Union of Journalist and Secretary General Amin Yousuf