KARACHI:
A senior lawyer Advocate Khawaja Shamsul Islam was shot dead, and his son Daniyal was injured on the footsteps of Quran Academy in DHA phase VI when they were coming out after Friday prayers and a funeral.
Renowned for his expertise in civil law, he was particularly active in litigation of high-value properties across Karachi. Notably, he served as the counsel in a high-profile case involving the conversion of Fatima Jinnah’s residence into a girls’ hostel and dental college.
According to police, incident appears to be the result of personal enmity. In the initial investigation, Imran Afridi, son of former gunman Nabi Gul Afridi, has been named as the prime suspect, and efforts are underway to arrest him.
A murder case of Nabi Gul had been registered at Boat Basin police station in 2021, and the family reportedly held Islam responsible for the killing.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan police station, at Quran Academy. The slain lawyer had attended the funeral prayer of Muzammil Paracha, a businessman associated with the shipping industry. It is worth noting that Paracha had purchased the most expensive “1” number plate in an Excise Department auction a few months ago.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailant was dressed in a shalwar kameez and a blue waistcoat, with a mask covering his face. While firing at the lawyer, the assailant reportedly said that he was taking revenge for his father’s murder.
Police recovered two spent 9mm pistol shells and a slug from the scene. Islam sustained a bullet to the chest, while his son sustained a gunshot to the lower back.
DIG South Syed Asad Raza, SSP South Mehroz Ali, and other officials reached the spot, and crime scene unit collected evidence.
Speaking to the media, SSP confirmed that the deceased had also been targeted in an earlier attack in November 2024, which is now being linked to the present case. A route map is being prepared using CCTV footage to trace the suspect’s escape path.
Meanwhile, in the Sikandarabad area of Keamari, police detained two suspects and have begun interrogating them in connection with Afridi. According to CTD in-charge Raja Umar Khattab, the incident appears to stem from a personal enmity, though further investigation is ongoing.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has expressed grief over the death of Advocate Islam and extended condolences to the deceased’s family. CM Sindh, in a statement, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and directed the authorities to bring the killers to justice as soon as possible.
Karachi Bar Association General Secretary Rehman Korai strongly condemned the incident and announced a strike on Saturday in protest over the murder. He said that the lawyers’ community will continue to protest until the accused are arrested.
He further said that the incident raised question mark on the performance of police. Karachi Bar Association has also begun reaching out lawyers across the country. He demanded the immediate arrest of the accused involved in the incident.
