Journalists Shot Outside Dadu Press Club in Broad Daylight
Gunmen attack Jani Printing Press, seriously injure district president of child rights organization Niaz Chandio; one killed in police crossfire
Independent Report
DADU: In a shocking daylight incident near the Dadu city’s busiest area and police station, unidentified armed men opened fire outside the Press Club at Jani Printing Press.
Senior journalist and district president of a child rights advocacy group, Niaz Chandio, was shot and critically injured.
He has been shifted to Karachi in critical condition.
Another journalist, Rafiq Channa, who was sitting at the shop, also sustained a bullet injury. Upon receiving the report, police reached the scene, where a shootout ensued between the attackers and police.
During the exchange fires, one person—Mohammad Ali Khaskheli, reportedly a resident of Mehar—was killed on the spot. A pistol was recovered from his possession.
Family members of the injured journalist—former Press Club President Wali Chandio and his brothers Imtiaz Chandio, Gul Hassan Chandio, and others—claimed that the attack was a retaliation for Niaz Chandio’s reporting against drug abuse and drug dealers, who have become a menace to society.
They stated that the press was not engaged in any confrontation and the attack was unprovoked.
They have demanded a judicial inquiry and arrest of those responsible.
According to the SHO of A Section Police Station: This morning, police responded promptly to a firing incident on Kacheri Road in Dadu. Armed men opened fire at the Jani Printing Press, injuring journalists Niaz Chandio and Rafiq Ahmed Channa. In crossfire, one suspect was killed.
The injured were rushed to a local hospital and later referred to Sehwan for further treatment. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Ali, son of Rustam Khaskheli, originally from Nawabshahpur, Mehar, and residing in Shaheed Colony, Sehwan.
Police confirmed that the deceased was part of the attacking group and was killed during their escape attempt in a crossfire. A pistol and magazine were recovered from the scene.
Initial investigations reveal that the deceased had several criminal cases registered against him in various police stations of Jamshoro district.
Police believe personal enmity to be a possible motive, although a multi-faceted investigation is ongoing.
CCTV footage from nearby locations is being reviewed, and various sources are being used to trace and apprehend the culprits, who will soon be brought to justice.
Journalist communities have strongly condemned the incident on the occasion.
