KARACHI: Mr Masood Hamid, Director Marketing, Pakistan Herald Publications Private Limited (PHPL), was found murdered in his car in Defence Housing Authority’s phase-8 on Friday night, The Dawn Media Group said in a statement.

Mr. Hamid was killed by a single shot, and apparently died on the spot. The unknown gunmen also left the weapon used in the murder in his car before fleeing the scene.

The SSP South, Tariq Dharejo, told Dawn that an Investigation Officer (IO) was being appointed immediately to probe into all aspects of the incident.

Masood Hamid had been associated with PHPL for the past 28 years. He was a natural leader, and in his capacity as Director Marketing, he had built one of the finest teams of marketing people for Dawn and other publications of PHPL.

Mr Hamid was also actively involved in promoting the cause of newspaper industry, and was former secretary general of All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS).

He has left behind a widow and daughter and son, and a large number of colleagues and friends to mourn his death.

Condolences pour in

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr Hamid.

Information Minister Pervez Rashid denounced the tragic incident and extended his condolences to the grieved family. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad also condemned the murder of Masood Hamid.

On his death former colleagues and well-wishers expressed their condolences and profound sense of loss on Twitter: