A journalist associated with Daily Ummat was shot dead in Jhol town of Sanghar district in Sindh late Sunday, reportedly in the name of ‘honour’.
Ghulam Murtaza Shar, 32, was attacked and shot dead by two armed men on a motorcycle at the Railway Crossing of Jhol town in Sanghar district. The journalist, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was taken to a rural health centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Station House Officer (SHO) of Jhol Police Station Niaz Hussain informed the media that police had arrested the main accused, who confessed to having killed Mr. Shar for his unspecified relations. Police confirmed that the preliminary investigation of the murder indicated it was the part of an ‘honour killing’. Both of the armed gunmen have since surrendered to police.
According to journalists from Sanghar, the murdered man was president of the local press club. Journalist Imtiaz Chandio announced the man’s murder on Twitter with a graphic image, stating, “This is the fate of journalists in Sindh.”
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the ‘shocking’ incident would be investigated by both provincial and federal authorities, adding that “the security situation for journalists in Sindh has become a challenge.”
Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh also condemned the killing of the journalist and demanded the arrest of all responsible for the murders of journalists across the province.
