• October 7, 2016
• Freedom of Expression, Front Page
• Web Desk

Karachi: October 6, Although Anti Terrorist Courts (ATCs) were established for speedy trials the trial for the death of journalist Mushtaq Khand, reporter of Dharti News television channel has not been concluded even after the passage of four years.

Khand was killed and 3 other journalists received bullet injuries on 7th October 2012 while covering the public meeting held by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Khairpur Mir’s, city of Sindh province.

The motive for the attack is believed to be a personal enmity between Azizullah Janwiri, who was known for his involvement in theft; and Niaz Janwiri, a municipal administrator and one of the organizers of the rally. Azizullah attacked the rally to target Niaz, who had lodged a verbal complaint against him with the police for carrying out theft at his residence. Police, reportedly had arrested Azizullah and his brother but released them after severe torture.

Khand received bullets on his temple and leg which caused his instant death, while three journalists Mukhtiyar Phulpoto, correspondent for daily Awami Awaz; Faheem Mangi, correspondent of daily Naun Sij; and freelance journalist Allahdad Rind along with other participants were injured.

Phulpoto received a bullet to his arm which made his arm useless. Talking to Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) of his ordeal, he said that he could not use his arm which has become ineffective. Mangi, received two bullets in his back. One bullet crossed his body and other was removed by Doctors through operation.Rind’s finger became nonfunctional due to bullet wounds at his arm.

Khand had been the president of the Khairpur Press Club for five years. He had left two widows, five sons and two daughters.

According to the police the assailants, entered the meeting and started firing indiscriminately, just before the arrival of Nafisa Shah, Member of National Assembly and chief guest of the event.

Police arrested main accused Azizullah on 14th October, 2012 from Bahawalpur district of Punjab province and shifted him to Baagerji Police Station in Sukkur district of Sindh for the interrogation. He was killed on 30th October, 2012 in an alleged police encounter.

The police also arrested nine other suspects namely Saadullah Janwiri, Abdul Qayoom, Mujahid Ali, Amiruddin Janwiri, Noor Muhammad, Shakeel Janwiri, Fateh Muhammad, Mujeeb Rehman and Ubaidullah Janwiri.

Saadullah was arrested in 2014 from Lahore. He was then sent to the Central Prison Sukkur. Mujahid Ali was also arrested and sent to the same prison.

Accused Abdul Qayoom, Amiruddin Janwiri, Noor Muhammad, Shakeel Janwiri, Fateh Muhammad and Ubaidullah Janwiri were declared innocent in police investigation report, submitted in court.