By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: Journalists from Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Khairpur staged protests on Saturday against the targeted killing of senior journalist Syed Muhammad Shah, who was gunned down outside his home in Jacobabad district in what colleagues have described as a brutal attack on press freedom.
Shah, a former president of the Garhi Khairo Press Club, was shot dead in Altaf Shah village near Garhi Khairo. According to police reports, the suspected gunman, Abdul Hussain Umrani, knocked on Shah’s door and opened fire as the journalist stepped outside. Shah died on the spot.
In a dramatic turn of events, Umrani attempted to flee the scene but found himself surrounded by police. He then reportedly tried to take his own life by shooting himself. Police managed to apprehend him and shift him to a hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities say he is now out of danger and under custody.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jacobabad, retired Captain Saddam Hussain Khaskheli, confirmed that an FIR has been filed by Shah’s son, Syed Amir Shah, naming Umrani and two other individuals.
