MULTAN, March 8: A retired bank officer was shot dead in what seemed to be a sectarian terrorism in New Ghulghast Colony here on Friday.

Syed Ghulam Panjtan Kazmi, 55, was sitting in his shop when some unidentified persons opened fire on him. He sustained critical injuries and died while being taken to hospital.

According to the family, the number of assailants could not be ascertained as there was no witness to the incident. They said the assailants managed to escape without looting anything.

Kazmi’s cousin Fiaz Naqvi told Dawn that he had no enmity with anyone.

The CIA DSP said it was yet to be determined whether it was a sectarian killing or a result of an old enmity.

The body was handed over to the family without autopsy on the directive of the district Nazim.

District Nazim Shah Mehmood Qureshi visited the house of the slain banker to offer condolence.

Later presiding over a meeting, the Nazim condemned the murder of Ghulam Panjtan Kazmi and said all measures would be taken to check any untoward situation during Muharram.

He said the army would assist the civil administration in maintaing peace during Muharram. The army personel would hold Flag March on 1st and 7th of Muharram in the city.

The Nazim said union and tehsil council Nazims had been directed to hold meetings of peace committees in their respective areas.—NOUMAN