On August 8, the Sindh High Court (SHC)instructed authorities to provide protection to the family of Nasrullah Gadani, a journalist from Ghotki who was murdered in May. The court issued this directive during a recent hearing on a petition filed by Gadani’s mother, seeking both protection and a status update on the investigation.

The SHC has requested a detailed report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Ghotki, ordering that a written response be submitted within seven days. The court’s intervention follows concerns raised by the petitioner’s lawyer, Salahuddin Panhwar, regarding the lack of progress in the case.

Panhwar informed the court that despite the passage of four months since Gadani’s murder, no charge sheet or report has been filed against the suspects. Additionally, Panhwar highlighted issues with court proceedings, noting that the accused and their supporters have been disrupting the legal process, complicating access for complainants and their legal representatives.

The petitioner’s lawyer argued that Gadani’s family has been continuously harassed and threatened since his murder, necessitating immediate protective measures. The court acknowledged these concerns and issued directives to ensure the family’s safety.

Nasrullah Gadani, 40, was murdered in a targeted attack on May 21, 2024, while riding his motorcycle in Mirpur Mathelo. After initial treatment at a local hospital, Gadani was airlifted to Karachi for further care but died from his injuries on May 24. Known for his critical reporting with the Sindhi language daily Awami Awaz, Gadani’s death led to widespread protests across Sindh.