KARACHI, Jan 13: A young journalist was gunned down here on Thursday. Seven other people were killed and at least 12 injured in different incidents of firing and armed attacks in the city.

“Initial investigation suggests that Babar was stuck in a traffic jam when a man stopped in front of his car,” said DIG West Sultan Khawaja. “The man pulled out a pistol and fired several shots at Babar before returning to his associate waiting across the road on a motorbike to disappear from the scene in a flash.”

Police found five cases of spent 9mm bullets from the scene. Babar received bullets on his forehead, face and neck.

The DIG ruled out mugging attempt as motive behind the firing, saying “it appeared to be a premeditated murder”.

The incident came as a grim reminder of a recent report by a press advocacy group which declared Pakistan as the deadliest country for journalists in 2010. The Committee to Protect Journalists said that of the 42 journalists killed worldwide in 2010 eight belonged to Pakistan.

Politicians, government officials and media bodies condemned the incident and called for immediate arrest of the killer.

“We don't know who is behind this, but definitely we take it as a message for the entire media community,” said Azhar Abbas, managing director of the Geo Television Network. “This reflects a dangerous trend of intolerance to target the media personnel who only reveal truth. The incident should serve as a wakeup call for all those who are part of this struggle.”

FRESH VIOLENCE: At least seven people were killed and 12 injured in different incidents of firing and armed attacks in the city on Thursday night.

The fresh spate of violence broke out after a senior leader of the Awami National Party was attacked near Hasan Square.

According to police and party sources, two gunmen on a bike sprayed bullets on the car of Bashir Jan, Sindh ANP's information secretary, near Gharibabad. He suffered a bullet wound in the hand and his two guards in the legs and abdomen. They were taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

The incident sparked violence in Banaras, Qasba Colony and parts of Orangi Town which reverberated with frequent gunfire.

Four men were killed when a group of people came under an armed attack near Qasba Mor. Three others were killed in Liaquatabad and Orangi Town.

An official at the Sindh police surgeon office said that five bodies with gunshot wounds were brought to Abbassi Shaheed Hospital and Qatar Hospital.