ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed deep sorrow over the “senseless killing” of journalist Athar Mateen and strongly condemned the incident.
A local journalist, Athar Mateen, was shot dead on Friday morning iin Karachi after unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle. In his message, PM Imran Khan condoled with the bereaved family. He directed that every possible effort be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also took notice and sought a report from Additional IG Karachi. He extended condolences to the bereaved family and promised to arrest the accused as soon as possible. “The killers should be apprehended immediately,” he said, adding that he stands alongside the journalist community at the time of grief.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail condemned the incident and said police should ensure the protection of life, property and honour of citizens. He urged the Sindh government to take practical steps to eradicate lawlessness.
Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed sought a report from the chief secretary and Sindh IG. The opposition has called out the government for failing to protect journalists. PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz said the country is unsafe for media persons.
READ MORE: Senior journalist Athar Mateen shot dead in Karachi
According to details, armed motorcyclists opened fire at a car near Five Star Chowrangi in North Karachi, killing the driver on the spot. Police said the deceased has been identified as journalist Athar Mateen who was returning after dropping his children to school.
Police said that the attackers left behind their motorcycle and fled from the scene after snatching a motorcycle from a passerby. Police claimed to receive a report of a citizen being shot dead for resisting a mugging bid and arrived at the scene.
SP Gulberg Tahir Noorani said that initial reports suggest that the motorcyclists opened fire on a vehicle after a road rage incident. He said the suspect later fled the scene and more information was being gathered.
Local media reported that Mateen came across two men robbing a citizen at gunpoint when he left his house early morning. He rammed his car nto the suspects’ motorcycle to prevent the mugging attempt. In retaliation, the men opened fire on the victim’s car and fled from the scene.
The deceased journalist was currently working at a local news channel in Karachi. The body has been shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) for medico-legal formalities. Mateen has left a widow and two daughters.
