ISLAMABAD, June 19: The government on Monday announced appointment of a judicial commission to probe into the causes leading to death of journalist Hayatullah Khan, who was found dead on Friday, nearly seven months after being kidnapped in Mirali.

A notification issued by the Law, justice and human rights division, terming the murder ‘gruesome, heinous and shocking’, said the commission comprising Justice Mohammad Raza Khan of the Peshawar High Court should commence inquiry immediately and submit its findings within 30 days.

It said the commission would “ascertain the causes of murder of late Hayatullah Khan and correctness of allegations regarding the aforesaid murder and to identify the person or persons responsible for the mischief.”

The notification described Mr Khan as ‘an illustrious and brave journalist’ and his death as an ‘irreparable loss to the nation’.

Meanwhile, NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Orakzai also announced setting up of three inquiry commissions to carry out fair and transparent investigation into the killing.

“The inquiry will be fair, true and transparent. Nothing will be hidden from anyone and reports of the inquiry commissions are likely to be completed in two weeks,” the governor assured a delegation of the Khyber Union of Journalists.

He announced a compensation of Rs500,000 for family of the murdered journalist.—APP