Media worker shot dead by 'robbers' in Karachi

Athar Mateen tried to foil a robbery bid by ramming his car into the alleged robbers' bike

KARACHI:

A senior producer working for a private channel was shot dead on Friday during a botched robbery in Karachi's North Nazimabad area.

Athar Mateen was gunned down after he rammed his vehicle into the bike of alleged robbers who were looting a citizen, said police. As the alleged robbers fell down they fired shots at the vehicle, killing the media worker, said SSP Central Rana Maroof.

The suspects managed to flee after the incident on a bike snatched from a citizen while leaving their bike behind, the SSP added.

PM condemns incident

Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly condemned the brutal killing of Mateen. In a statement, the premier said “we share the grief of the bereaved family”

The premier directed authorities to make all efforts to bring the culprits to justice.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also expressed grief and sorrow over the media worker’s killing. Pakistan Peoples Party has failed to maintain law and order in Karachi, the minister said in a statement.

He also regretted the “frequent” attacks on journalists in interior Sindh and added that the use of technology is imperative to make Karachi a safe city.

The information minister added that the PTI government is taking steps for the protection of journalists.

CM takes notice

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and asked the police to present a complete report to his office.

The chief minister directed the Additional AIG to complete an investigation into the case and arrest the suspects. CM Murad also expressed condolence on the killing of the senior producer.