The body of Pakistani journalist Abdul Hameed Hayatan, 25, was found on 18 November near the Sami river in Turbat, in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, according to media reports. Hayatan, who wrote for a number of print dailies, was abducted along with a friend on 25 October, while on his way home from a wedding in the city of Gawadar.

His friends and family reportedly believed that Pakistani security agents were responsible for his disappearance.

According to the Lahore-based Daily Times, Abdul Hameed, also known as Lala Hameed Baloch, was also head of the Baloch National Movement, which is pushing for an independent Balochistan.

Recently, a number of political activists and others in Balochistan have been killed in connection with the nationalist movement.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of this young journalist,” said IPI Press Freedom Manager Anthony Mills. “The Pakistani government should launch a full investigation into Abdul Hameed Hayatan’s abduction and murder, and see to it that the individuals responsible for ordering and carrying out extrajudicial killings are stopped.”

According to IPI’s Death Watch, Hayatan is the ninth journalist to be killed so far in 2010 in Pakistan, tying it with Honduras as the second most dangerous country in the world for journalists this year.