Cops suspect targeted killing by hired shooters

Funeral prayers for slain journalist offered outside LPC

LAHORE:

Hundreds of journalists, relatives and friends offered funeral prayers of slain reporter Hasnain Shah on Tuesday in front of Lahore Press Club (LPC).

The police, using the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) closed-circuit cameras (CCTV), tracked the two suspected killers' escape after Monday's attack towards a locality across Brandath Road near Lahore Railway Station, about 3km away from the crime scene. However, no clue to their identity or whereabouts was found.

Crime investigation officials contended that it appeared to be an incident of targeted killing by hired shooters.

Brothers of the deceased wailed for justice as the body was brought in an ambulance.

The LPC governing body lamented Hasnain’s murder in broad daylight outside the press club and the killers' escape after the shooting. The club also remained shut till the funeral. 

As the hunt continued for the motorcyclists who had escaped after the murder on Monday, a heavy contingent of police cordoned off the surroundings and the participants of the funeral were allowed entry after checking.

The LPC also formed an eight-member committee of its governing body members and crime reporters to probe into the case.

An FIR has been registered on charges of terrorism and murder on the complaint of Hasnain Shah's wife Mehwish.

The investigators said the murderers had fired more than 10 bullets at the deceased from a 9mm handgun.

All the bullets hit the upper part of the body, primarily chest and stomach.

The victim reportedly was approaching the LPC in his car on Davis Road from his office situated at a short distance.

As he reached Shimla Pahari chowk, a few yards away from the club, two motorcyclists approached and opened fire at him.

The victim was talking to a colleague on the phone when he was shot dead.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2022.