Senior anchorperson of Metro One News TV channel, Imtiaz Mir, was critically injured in Karachi after being fired upon by unknown assailants, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.
According to initial reports, the attack took place at Kala Board in the Malir area, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on Imtiaz Mir, leaving him severely wounded.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital in a critical condition. Doctors later confirmed that due to the severity of his injuries, he was shifted onto a ventilator for life support.
Sindh’s Interior Minister, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, has taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East.
The minister strongly condemned the attack on the anchorperson and directed police to uncover the motives behind the shooting.
Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar further instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers across Sindh at all costs.
Brother says family feud behind attack
Brother of Imtiaz Mir, a TV anchor, who was critically injured after being shot at Malir Kala Board locality of Karachi, said on Monday that his brother was presently on a ventilator.
Narrating the incident, Waqar Mir said four armed persons, including a woman, mounted on two motorcycles, opened fire at his brother.
He further said that there was an enmity between his family and another family in his native village. “Although the issues had been resolved six months back. Still, they chose to target my brother,” he said, adding that his brother was attacked from two sides.
“One bullet pierced into Imtiaz’s face, two into his left rib and one into his left arm. The attackers started chasing him from Shahrahe Faisal,” Waqar elaborated.
Minister strongly condemns attack on journalist
Also on Monday, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon strongly condemned the attack on Mir, adding that journalists represented the society and attacks on them were not tolerable at all. “The Sindh government is committed to ensuring the protection of journalists,” the minister added.
He further said that the provincial government would bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice. “We have already ordered the police to immediately arrest the assailants.”
On the occasion, Memon also prayed for the fast recovery of the anchor.
Reporters: Dur-e-Shehwar and Aajiz Jamali