QUETTA, May 8: A senior police officer investigating a number of important cases was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in the Satellite Town area here on Tuesday morning.

Police said Mohammad Shahnawaz, Superintendent of Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Quetta police, was going for a walk after Fajar prayers when two men on a motorcycle opened fire on him.

He was seriously injured and died on way to hospital.

“He suffered multiple bullet wounds,” police said, adding that a 9mm pistol had been used in the attack. The assailants escaped after the firing.

Balochistan IG Rao Amin Hashim told reporters that a team of senior police officers was investigating the incident. He said Mr Shahnawaz had been investigating important cases which might have led to his killing.

The CID is investigating cases relating to terrorism and sectarian killings and police officials often receive threats from militant groups.

The banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi claimed responsibility for the killing.

Balochistan Chief Minister Aslam Raisani announced a compensation of Rs2 million for the family of the slain officer and said his son would be appointed as ASI.