Sindh Journalists Commission Demands New Investigation Team for Journalist Nasrullah Gadani’s Murder; Cites Police Incompetence
On May 26, the Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners (CPJMP) rejected the existing investigation team in the murder of journalist Nasrullah Gadani, citing concerns about the Sukkur police’s competence and potential conflicts of interest.
Gadani, 40, who was critically wounded in a targeted attack in Mirpur Mathelo on May 21, died from his injuries on May 24 at a private hospital in Karachi. Gadani, a correspondent for the Sindhi-language daily Awami Awaz, was known for his critical reporting.
The Commission directed Sindh’s police chief, Ghulam Nabi Memon, to form a new special investigation team (SIT) headed by a senior officer outside the Sukkur division. The decision came after a meeting where the CPJMP expressed dissatisfaction with the initial investigation and the lack of progress in apprehending the culprits.
The Commission noted that Gadani had previously been targeted by local authorities, leading to his arrest under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO) in May 2023. It raised concerns about the police’s ability to conduct an impartial investigation, given that “not only influential personalities of Ghotki but police and administration were also not ‘happy’ with Gadani’s work.” The CPJMP also criticized the overall law and order situation in Sukkur, noting that the police have failed to solve other murders of journalists in the region.
The Commission Chairperson Justice (Retd) Nazar Akbar directed the police chief to provide daily updates on the progress of the new investigation. He commended the efforts of Rafiah Bano, a local official who had been instrumental in gathering information about the case. Meanwhile, DIG-Sukkur Pir Mohammed Shah said the delay in registering a murder case was due to the victim’s relatives needing time for consultations before lodging a First Information Report.
The Commission expressed deep regret over the lack of action taken by police and the administration to protect Gadani, both during the attack and following a previous incident.
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