Journalist killed in aerial firing on New Year’s Eve

SUKKUR:

Journalist Shan Dahar succumbed to injuries at the Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana, on Wednesday morning.

Shan Dahar had been rushed to the hospital after he sustained a bullet wound in the back in Badah on the midnight between Tuesday and Wednesday. The journalist fraternity of Larkana blamed the doctors of CMCH for not attending to him promptly.

Dahar was standing at a medical store near the Badah press club when a bullet pierced his back. He was rushed to the Chandka Medical College Hospital in Larkana but no doctor was available at the time. Despite fervent calls to the medical superintendent, Dr Safiullah Abbasi, no action was taken to save the dying man. The surgeon, according to the journalists, arrived in the morning but Dahar had already succumbed to his injuries by that time.

Scores of journalists staged a protest outside the CMCH, demanding the police to register cases against the doctors for negligence in duty. The provincial education minister contacted the protesters, assuring them that the culprits will be punished and that the victim’s family will be given compensation.

Dahar was affiliated with the Abbtak Television’s Larkana station. According to sources, Dahar was killed due to the aerial firing in commemoration of the New Year. He leaves behind an elderly mother and two minor daughters.

Meanhwile the Pakistan National Union of Journalists president, Imran Sahil, condemning the incident, directed the Sukkur Union of Journalists president, to visit Badah to investigate the matter and also ensure that the victim’s family receive due compensation.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2014.