KARACHI: The Sindh government and police announced the arrest of four suspects on Monday in the murder case of journalist Imtiaz Mir. Police said the suspects belonged to a banned organisation receiving directions from abroad. A joint operation by Karachi police and a federal intelligence agency led to the arrests. Authorities recovered the motorcycle used in the attack as well.
Mir, a Metro News anchor, was heading home last month when six gunmen on two motorcycles opened fire on his car near the National Highway. His elder brother was driving the vehicle. The journalist sustained multiple bullet wounds and later died at a private hospital.
Police Reveal Possible Motive
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said Mir had earlier given an interview speaking in favour of Israel. He added that this appeared to be the motive behind the murder. He further claimed that a sub-organisation of the proscribed Zainabiyoun Brigade carried out the attack.
Lanjar stated that the primary suspect is based in a neighboring country. He alleged that the same country funds activities aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.
Family’s Earlier Land Dispute
Mir’s brother, Riaz Ali, lodged the initial complaint at Saudabad police station. He accused a man named Umer Daraz and his sons, Ahmed Bux and Aftab, of ordering the attack due to a land dispute in Jacobabad. Police confirmed both families belonged to the same tribe and had past disputes, including a 2023 FIR filed by Mir.
Journalists Demand Justice
Media organisations condemned the killing and demanded swift action. The Sindh chief minister directed police to arrest the culprits without delay.
A recent CHRI report revealed that 87 journalists have been murdered in Pakistan since 2006, with only two cases resolved.
