Nasrullah Gadani, a journalist with the Sindhi language daily Awami Awaz, succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Karachi on Friday.
Notably, Gadani (40), was shot by armed assailants in Mirpur Mathelo a few days ago and was initially treated at a hospital in Rahim Yar Khan before being airlifted to Karachi for further medical attention.
A massive funeral was held in his native village of Qabool Gadani, attended by thousands of mourners, including journalists, nationalist party leaders and community members. Following the funeral, Gadani was laid to rest in a local graveyard.
The killing of Nasrullah Gadani has sparked widespread anger and protests across Sindh. In Karachi, journalists covering the Sindh Assembly session staged a walkout from the press gallery, demanding justice for Gadani and Jan Mohammed Mahar, another journalist recently killed in Sukkur. The protesters chanted slogans against the rising incidents of violence against journalists in the province.
Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar and Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon met with the protesting journalists, assuring them that three suspects had been detained and promising a breakthrough within a week.
Additionally, the journalist community, along with various other groups, staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club, demanding justice for Gadani and calling for stronger protections for journalists in Pakistan.
Black flags were hoisted at press clubs across Sindh, and journalist bodies held rallies and demonstrations in protest. The protesters emphasised Gadani’s role as a vocal critic of the Pakistani establishment and PPP MNA Lund Sardar, whom many believe to be behind the assassination.
Meanwhile, a video clip has emerged showing Gadani being shot by armed guards allegedly linked to Sardar a couple of days before he was shot and killed. In the video, Gadani can be seen speaking about the firing.