The family of murdered journalist Nasrullah Gadani was denied entry to the Bhutto family mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh while attempting to protest the lack of arrests in his murder case. Security personnel blocked the family and civil society activists at Bahman, an entry point to Sindh’s Larkana district.

Nasrullah Gadani, a journalist from Sindh, was murdered in a targeted attack on May 21, 2024, while riding his motorcycle in Mirpur Mathelo. Despite being initially treated at a local hospital and later airlifted to Karachi for advanced care, he succumbed to his injuries on May 24. Gadani, 40, was known for his critical reporting with the Sindhi language daily Awami Awaz. His death sparked widespread protests across Sindh.

Gadani’s family, including his mother Ms. Pathani, brother, and other activists, traveled to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to draw attention to the unresolved murder case. The family planned to stage a peaceful sit-in at the mausoleum’s outer gate, demanding action from the authorities.

During the altercation with security personnel, Ms. Pathani fainted due to the heat and emotional stress of the situation. Local journalists reported that she received first aid after a Rescue 1122 team was called in.

The family recalled that Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, during an earlier sit-in in Karachi, had promised to ensure the arrest of suspects within three days, but no progress has been seen yet. They wanted to place their complaint on the grave of Benazir Bhutto against the perceived inaction of the police.

Larkana SSP Dr. Mir Rohail Khan Khoso mentioned that the protesters were likely to end their sit-in and return home, but as of late evening, the protest continued at the mausoleum’s gate.