Family seeks fresh probe in journalist's murder case after 13 years

KARACHI: The family of slain journalist Zakir Hussain, also known as Shan Dahar, along with representatives of a media rights organisation, on Saturday called for a new investigation into his killing and the immediate arrest of suspects who they said have remained free for more than a decade.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Zakir’s sister Fauzia Dahar appeared alongside activists Adil Jawad and Waqar Soomro. They alleged that Larkana police had facilitated the accused, Irfan Brohi and Amir Zahri, by allowing them to obtain pre-arrest bail and by later carrying out what they described as a dramatic arrest for publicity purposes.

According to the speakers, police were already aware of court orders but still issued a press release and circulated photographs showing a suspect in custody. They said the suspect was later released, and described the episode as evidence of collusion and a serious setback to the justice process.

Family and activists raise concerns over police handling

At the press conference, the speakers said Zakir Hussain was serving as a bureau chief for a private news channel when he was shot dead in Larkana in 2014 while carrying out his professional duties. They further said that before he died of his injuries, the journalist had identified those who attacked him.

Fauzia Dahar and the activists said the case had still not reached a just conclusion despite the passage of 13 years. They warned that failure to act would further weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

Demand for transparent reinvestigation

Citing findings by international media watchdogs, the speakers urged the Sindh government and the inspector general of police to order a transparent reinvestigation by a senior officer. They also demanded action against officials found negligent in the handling of the case.

In addition, they called for protection for the victim’s family, saying justice had remained out of reach for years. Their demands included the immediate arrest of the suspects still at large and a fresh review of the investigation process.

The press conference focused on what the family and rights advocates described as longstanding failures in the case and renewed calls for accountability in the killing of the journalist.