Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

On December 2, Afnan Khan was driving home from his job as senior reporter at the Daily Times in Lahore Pakistan when a Land Cruiser pulled across his path on a deserted road. Two gunmen leapt out, took aim and ordered him from his car. Thinking fast, Khan leaned on his horn. Just then other cars approached and the gunmen fled.

Now journalists from across the region - all, like Khan, 2011 Dart Centre Asia Pacific Fellows in Journalism and Trauma - have called on the Pakistani government to investigate the attempted abduction of Khan, the joint scretary of the Punjab Union of Journalists and a respected investigative reporter specializing in religious extremism. In an open letter to top Pakistani officials, the Fellows call on national and regional authorities toi "ensure Mr. Khan's safety, as well as those of other journalists working in Pakistan."

Fifteen news professionals have been killed in Pakistan because of their work since 1992, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, including three this year.

The full text of the open letter to members of the Pakistani government is available online.