14 March 2024 | IFJ
Senior journalist killed in Punjab
Shooting
Veteran Pakistani journalist Sagheer Ahmed Laar was killed on March 14 after unidentified men opened fire on him outside a pharmacy in Punjab.
According to sources close to the IFJ, former Nawankot Press Club President and Khabren News correspondent Sagheer Ahmed Laar, also known as Muhammad Sagheer, was shot to death by unknown people at approximately 6 p.m. on March 14, in the southern city of Khanpur in Punjab. Reportedly, three unknown people on motorcycles opened fire on him while he was seated in a pharmacy where he worked part-time. He was transported to the local Government Tehsil Hospital, Khanpur shortly after the incident, but did not survive.
On March 15, police registered FIR number. 369/24 at the Saddar Police station under sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Jaleel Ahmed, Sagheer's brother, filed the complaint, which led to the investigation being opened. According to his brother Jaleel, the journalist received death threats, including the phrase "prepare your coffin” and “we will kill you." He had previously been attacked by gangs of unknown people. According to Jaleel, the justification behind the murder is unclear, but could be work-related.
According to his brother, Sagheer was a bold journalist who wrote stories focusing on oppressed and low-income communities, with a particular focus on confronting powerful political and crime figures. The family have stated that they are unsure why Sagheer was killed.
Police are currently investigating the matter, with Sagheer’s phone currently in the hands of law enforcement.
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