MUZAFFARGARH: A local print media journalist was allegedly gunned down by two motorcyclists at Thermal Bypass, three kilometres from the city area, here on Wednesday.

Reports said Ashfaq Ahmed Sial working as a reporter for Daily Khabrain was targeted by unidentified motorcyclists on Thermal Power Road. They opened fire on him, resulting in his critical injuries. He was rushed to DHQ Hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.

His body was later taken for a postmortem examination.

Upon hearing the news of Ashfaq Sial’s death, a number of journalists rushed to the hospital.

The police are conducting raids for the arrest of culprits.

DPO Syed Hasnain Haider said strict action would be taken against the culprits.

City Police Station House Officer Mohammed Ilyas confirmed that a case had been registered against the unknown assailants.

SDPO City Rehan Rasool Afghan said forensic agencies are collecting evidence.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident and sought a report from the IG police.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari condemned the killing and expressed condolences with the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, the Muzaffargarh Press Club cancelled two scheduled press conferences after the incident.

Press club president Naeem Khan said if the killers were not arrested within a day, journalist organisations would boycott press conferences and take to the streets.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2024