Journalist killed in Ghotki

GHOTKI: Journalist Bachal Ghunio was gunned down in the Ghotki district, police told the Geo News on Tuesday.

Locals have blamed dacoits for the killing. According to the police, the deceased had gone to his fields when attacked. His body has been shifted to the Ubuaro hospital.

Reacting to Ghunio’s killing, his family held a protest outside the office of the senior superintendent of police in Mirpur Mathelo, demanding the arrest of killers. Ghunio’s murder comes in the wake of a notable increase in violence against journalists in the country in recent times, making him the ninth being killed in 2024.

Talking to the Geo News, his minor son said there was an enmity between his father and some members of the community. However, Ghunio was killed despite the issues being decided upon. He said opponents had also attacked his father a few years back.

Taking notice of the killing, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has issued directions for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killing. He also ordered intensification of an operation against dacoits in the riverine area. Condemning the incident, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon reassured that those responsible for the heinous act would soon be brought to justice. Terming the targeting of journalists an attack on press freedom, Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi called for the arrest of those responsible for Ghunio’s killing.