Karachi: Journalist Athar shot dead over trying to save local from robbery bid

Senior journalist of private Athar Mateen shot dead on trying to save a citizen from a robbery

KARACHI (Dunya News) – Senior journalist Athar Mateen, who was working as a producer in a private news channel, was shot dead on Friday over trying to save a citizen from robbery bid in North Nazimabad, area of Karachi.

According to details, two robbers were looting a local at gunpoint when, in an attempt to prevent the mugging, Athar Mateen smashed his car into robbers‘ bike.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) central told that the robbers opened fire at the producer’s car that resulted in his death on the spot. The suspects fled the scene  after robbing another man, he added.

The SSP further told that the police have sealed the area and investigation teams are busy collecting evidence from the crime scene.

He told that gunmen also left their motorbike on the spot over some fault and escaped the scene after snatching another bike from a citizen.

Reactions

Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed took notice of the incident and ordered the Chief Secretary and Inspector General (IG) of Sindh police to submit the report as early as possible. He also condemned the mishap and extended condolences to the bereaved family of the journalist.

Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan also expressed grief over the murder of senior producer of a private news channel Athar Mateen and said that we stand in solidarity with the bereaved family. He also directed the concerned authorities to take every possible step to arrest the culprits.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also condemned the mishap and demanded Sindh government to ensure safety of journalists along with each and every citizen of Karachi. The provincial government won’t let anyone to sabotage the peace of the metropolis, he asserted.

The PPP chief further hoped for early arrest of the suspects involved in this crime.

Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah also denounced the journalists’ murder and ordered the Additional Inspector General (AIG) of police to submit the report and arrest the culprits as soon as possible. The CM expressed solidarity to the journalists’ community and said that the suspects will soon be arrested.