A Pakistani journalist was shot dead in his home on Sunday and two others were killed in a suicide attack on Monday, according to news reports, as Pakistan joined Mexico as the most lethal country for journalists in 2010.

IPI strongly condemns the attacks and urges the Pakistani authorities to take steps to ensure journalists’ safety.

Mehmood Chandio, president of the Mirpurkhas Press Club and bureau chief for the Sindhi-language channel Awaz, was shot by assailants when he answered his door on Sunday. Chandio later succumbed to his injuries after being taken to the hospital.

On Monday, two journalists were among 50 people killed when two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a gathering of tribesmen in northwest Pakistan. Abdul Wahab of the Urdu-language Express News television channel and Pervez Khan of Waqt TV lost their lives in the attack while another journalist, Mohib Ali of the News Network International was injured.

“We strongly condemn these attacks and convey our condolences to the families of those killed. The Pakistani authorities must investigate the attacks and bring those responsible to justice,” said Alison Bethel McKenzie, IPI’s acting director. “The risks associated with journalism in Pakistan have reached alarming levels and they must be reduced.”

IPI’s data shows that 12 journalists have now been killed in Pakistan in 2010, making it the deadliest country for journalists in 2010, along with Mexico.

The attack in Mohmand took place when government officials were preparing to meet members of a voluntary militia group created to fight militants in the region. The Taliban has since claimed responsibility for the attack and warned that it will continue attacks.