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When human rights activist Karima Baloch is found drowned off the shores of Toronto, an investigation into her mysterious death leads all the way back to Pakistan, the country she had recently fled.
In this six-part series, host Mary Lynk explores the abductions and killings of dissidents in Pakistan, the dangers that follow those who flee to the West, and an intelligence agency with tentacles around the globe. At its heart, this is a story of brave people on a tireless quest for justice, who will speak truth to power at all costs.
The Kill List seeks to answer: how did Karima die? And would Pakistan really carry out an assassination far beyond its borders?
For a full list of production credits, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Series trailer
A leading human rights activist and vocal critic of the Pakistan government dies suddenly in Canada. The international community calls the death suspicious. Host Mary Lynk investigates the death of Karima Baloch, the killing of her people, and the dangers that follow Pakistani dissidents who flee to the West.
Episode 1: Death of an Icon
A leading human rights activist is found dead. Many immediately suspect murder. The assassinations of dissidents like her have become commonplace in Pakistan. But Karima Baloch's body was discovered off the shores of Toronto, the city where she fled for her life.
Access the transcript for Episode 1 here.
Episode 2: A Death in Sweden
Months before Karima's death, another prominent Baloch dissident is found drowned in a river in Sweden. Sajid Hussain had also fled Pakistan to start a new life in safety. His death bears a striking resemblance to Karima's. Could the two be connected?
Access the transcript for Episode 2 here.
Episode 3: The Dissident Club
Mary meets those who have been told they are on a kill list. Exiles from Pakistan have sought safety through the Western world. But do they remain in danger, no matter how far they flee?
Access the transcript for Episode 3 here.
Episode 4: 'I am not a terrorist'
We learn about Karima's final days from those closest to her, including a man who's finally ready to speak. After escaping death in Pakistan, what evidence is there that Karima may have taken her own life?
Access the transcript for Episode 4 here.
Episode 5: Living Ghosts
We follow Karima's dramatic return to Balochistan — where even in death, she's considered a threat. And hear from those in her homeland still willing to risk their lives by speaking out.
Access the transcript for Episode 5 here.
Episode 6: The Pier
New documents, witnesses and a renowned forensic scientist all lead to the same, unsettling conclusion about what really happened to Karima.
Access the transcript for Episode 6 here.
Production Credits
Host: Mary Lynk
Writer: Ilina Ghosh
Producer: Ilina Ghosh
Mixing and Sound Design: Julia Wittmann
Studio Direction: Nancy Regan
Story Editor: Chris Oke
Digital/Coordinating Producer: Emilie Quesnel
Video Producer: Evan Aagaard
Cross Promo Producer: Amanda Cox
Fact-checking: Emily Mathieu
Legal Advice: Sean Moreman
Executive Producer: Cesil Fernandes
Special thanks to:
Lateef Johar