Senior journalist Imtiaz Mir’s ‘killers’ arrested: Lanjar

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar announced during a media briefing at the Karachi Police Office on Monday that the killers of senior journalist and anchor Imtiaz Mir have been arrested.

A major breakthrough has been made in the murder case of the Metro One News senior anchor. The District Korangi police, in a joint operation with a federal intelligence agency, have arrested four suspects.

Lanjar claimed that the suspects are linked to an international terrorist organisation that received instructions and financial support from a neighbouring country. He said that the main shooter, Syed Ijlal Zaidi, was arrested with Shahab (motorbike rider), Faraz (who conducted reconnaissance) and Ahsan Abbas.

Police also seized four 9mm pistols, two motorbikes and other things used in the attack. Lanjar said Mir was shot near Kala Board on September 21, and succumbed to his critical injuries a week later.

He said the intelligence agency and police jointly investigated the case, after which concrete evidence led to the registration of a formal FIR. Initial investigations revealed that the suspects belong to the banned outfit Lashkar-e-Sarullah, which was planning further terrorist activities in Karachi, he added.

Lanjar said that during interrogation, the suspects also disclosed their foreign connections. The Karachi police chief appreciated the performance of the District Korangi police, and announced commendation certificates and cash rewards for the officers.

The home minister praised the District Korangi police chief and the intelligence agency, saying that the net around elements involved in recent target killings in the city is being tightened further.