Seven suspects booked for lawyer's targeted killing

A murder case has been registered at the Darakhshan police station over the targeted killing of prominent lawyer Khawaja Shams-ul-Islam, who was shot dead outside a mosque in DHA.

The FIR, lodged by the victim's brother Khawaja Faiz-ul-Islam, invokes sections related to murder, terrorism, criminal conspiracy, and other serious offences. According to police, seven men have been nominated in the case, which stems from a brazen gun attack carried out in broad daylight.

The incident occurred on Friday when Khawaja Shams-ul-Islam was leaving the Quran Academy Mosque in DHA Phase 6, Khayaban-e-Rahat, after offering Friday prayers and attending a funeral. He was accompanied by his sons - Khawaja Daniyal-ul-Islam and Khawaja Hamza-ul-Islam - as well as a private security guard and a police escort. While descending the mosque's staircase, the primary suspect, Imran Afridi, son of Nabi Gul Afridi, allegedly took advantage of the crowd and opened fire. One bullet struck Khawaja Shams-ul-Islam while another hit his son Daniyal-ul-Islam.

Hamza-ul-Islam immediately rushed his injured father to South City Hospital. Despite receiving medical treatment, Khawaja Shams-ul-Islam succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, Daniyal-ul-Islam was shifted to AKUH.

The FIR also refers to a previous attack on November 14, 2024, during which Imran Afridi and 15 to 20 armed accomplices allegedly assaulted Shams-ul-Islam. That incident involved gunfire and physical violence, and was reported at the Clifton police station.

The Sindh Bar Council has condemned the murder of senior Supreme Court lawyer Khawaja Shams-ul-Islam and announced a province-wide boycott of court proceedings on August 4.

Sindh Bar Council Vice Chairman Shafqat Rahim and Executive Committee Chairman Muhammad Saeed expressed outrage over the failure of law enforcement agencies. They stated that it is deeply regrettable that the nominated suspect has not been arrested despite confessing to the murder.

Khawaja Shams-ul-Islam's family is also receiving serious threats, which highlights the apathy of law enforcement authorities.