SANGHAR: Khawar Hussain, a journalist from Karachi was found dead in Sanghar on Sunday, reportedly shot while sitting in his car. Police confirmed the discovery, stating that Hussain had been parked outside a private hotel on Hyderabad Road for several hours before the incident.
According to police, CCTV footage from the hotel is currently being reviewed. The footage reportedly shows Hussain entering the restaurant, requesting to use the washroom, and then returning to his car. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing no gunshots, and there was no commotion around the vehicle. The windows of the car were rolled up, and no signs of anyone being nearby were found.
DIG Faisal Bashir stated that the investigation was ongoing, with police retrieving call data records that should be available within the next 24 hours. Hussain’s body has been moved to a mortuary in Hyderabad, and the post-mortem examination is awaited.
Sanjhay Sadhwani, a colleague of Hussain, noted that Hussain had been a political reporter for over a decade, having worked with Apna News and Aaj News before joining Dawn News. The Karachi Press Club, where Hussain was an active member, has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation and declared a three-day mourning period in his honor.
Iqbal Khattak, Executive Director of Freedom Network and Pakistan representative of Reporters Without Borders, emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation, particularly to determine if the murder was related to Hussain’s work. He expressed concerns about the safety of journalists in Sindh, despite the existence of a special law for their protection.
The Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners (SCPJMP) has also expressed concern over the incident, requesting a detailed report from the police. The Commission has called for transparency in the investigation and for action to be taken promptly.
Political leaders from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sharjeel Inam Memon, and Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, also expressed their sorrow, acknowledging Hussain’s contributions to journalism. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, along with other political figures, extended their condolences to Hussain’s family and colleagues.
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