PPF calls for a credible and effective inquiry into the attack of journalist Nasrullah Gadani; perpetrators must be brought to justice to bring an end to repeat incidents of violence against journalists
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) calls for a credible and effective inquiry into the attack on Awami Awaz Reporter Nasrullah Gadani, from Mirpur Mathelo, who was critically wounded in an armed attack on May 21. The surge of targeted attacks on journalists in recent months is an alarming development. The authorities must ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Authorities must also ensure that the motives behind the attack on Gadani are uncovered.
On May 21, Gadani was shot near Kori Goth, which is 12km from Mirpur Mathelo in the Sindh province, receiving gunshot wounds.
A First Information Report (criminal complaint) had not yet been registered. Awami Awaz Deputy Editor Nasir Khattak said that the journalist’s family wants to focus on saving his life first and then the next steps.
On May 22, the Deputy Inspector General of Police Sukkur Range announced the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the attack on Gadani. The JIT was set up, including the SSP Ghotki, ASP/SDPO Mirpur Mathelo, DSP/SDPO Ghotki, SHO PS Mirpur Mathelo, and SHO PS Jarwar. The notification said the JIT will make “all-out efforts” to arrest the culprits, and the head of the JIT will provide a daily report to assess the efforts.
The motives behind the attack on Gadani are not yet clear. As per media reports and PPF’s findings, Gadani used to cover news critical of feudals and politicians, etc.
Khattak told PPF that Gadani was going from his home to the city when, near Chandio Petrol Pump, three people on one motorcycle stopped him and shot him.
He was initially taken to the hospital in Mirpur Mathelo and then shifted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan, where he underwent surgery. Gadani has since been shifted after being airlifted to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon shared on X, formerly Twitter, that the Sindh government would bear the cost of expenses.
Sindh Minister for Home, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hasan Lanjar had condemned the “murderous attempt” on Gadani and said that the perpetrators would be “brought to justice at the earliest.”
The Karachi Union of Journalists President Faheem Siddiqui, General Secretary Liaquat Ali Rana, and executive committee members strongly condemned the attack on Gadani and urged the Sindh inspector general of police to arrest the perpetrators immediately.
In a statement, CPNE President Arshad Arif, Secretary General Ijaz ul Haq, and Sindh Vice President Aamir Mahmood condemned the attack on Gadani and termed it a failure of the Sindh government and law enforcement agencies.
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