What happened to Jan Muhammad Mahar? Who Killed Jan Muhammad Mahar?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Aug 14, 2023
Who was Jan Muhammad Mahar?
Jan Mohammad Mahar was a prominent figure in the realm of journalism, standing as a top-tier journalist affiliated with a renowned private Sindhi daily and a prominent TV station. His impactful contributions to media and his dedication to uncovering the truth marked him as an influential voice in the field. With an unrelenting commitment to his craft, he fearlessly reported on diverse subjects, shedding light on matters of societal and political significance.
Through his work, he facilitated public awareness and discourse on critical issues, leaving an indelible mark on the journalistic landscape. Tragically, his life was cut short on the eve of Pakistan's 76th Independence Day, as he fell victim to a fatal shooting outside St. Saviour School on Queens Road, a stark reminder of the risks journalists often face in pursuit of truth.
Jan Muhammad Mahar's untimely demise is an irreplaceable loss to the journalism community and to the nation at large. As an esteemed journalist, he exemplified the values of integrity, tenacity, and dedication, setting a benchmark for his peers and aspiring journalists. His reporting prowess extended beyond the confines of his medium, with his contributions resonating deeply within Sindhi society and beyond.
His assassination serves as a grim reminder of the challenges journalists confront, particularly in regions where media freedom is a fragile commodity. As Pakistan commemorates its 76th Independence Day, the loss of Jan Muhammad Mahar casts a somber shadow, underscoring the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the essential role journalists play in shaping an informed and empowered society.
What Happened to Jan Muhammad Mahar?
Jan Muhammad Mahar, a distinguished journalist, fell victim to a tragic incident that unfolded according to the area police. As he was traveling in his car, he was targeted by assailants who unleashed a barrage of gunfire upon him. The attackers aimed their shots with chilling precision, directing multiple rounds towards his head and in close proximity to his eyes. The severity of the assault left him in an immensely critical condition, prompting his immediate transfer to a private hospital.
Despite the best efforts to save his life, Jan Muhammad Mahar's injuries proved fatal. Hospital sources reported that, while undergoing surgery to address his grievous wounds, he tragically succumbed to his injuries. The circumstances surrounding his demise underscore the gravity of the attack and the extent of the harm inflicted upon him. This distressing event not only cut short the life of an esteemed journalist but also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face while diligently carrying out their vital role in uncovering and disseminating information.
Who Killed Jan Muhammad Mahar?
The motive behind the attack on Jan Muhammad Mahar remains elusive, yet initial investigations point towards a potential old enmity as the driving force behind the tragic incident, as reported by Dawn. Mahar was reportedly ambushed while inside his car, in close proximity to his office, recounting the incident as shared by Ghangro. The assailants swiftly fled the scene, firing shots into the air in an attempt to instill fear among the locals. Despite attempts to reach out for official police comment, their response remained unavailable.
In a disheartening continuation of such violence, an earlier incident on August 7 saw the fatal shooting of another newspaper reporter, Ghulam Asghar Khand, in the Pir Jo Goth neighborhood of Khairpur district. Khand sustained nine gunshot wounds, with reports suggesting that the attack stemmed from a dispute over a property plot in the Chak neighborhood of Sukkur.
Mahar's attack, occurring at approximately 9:15 p.m., was conveyed to the police at 9:30 p.m. Law enforcement, including Sukkur SSP Singhar Malik and Sukkur DIG Javed Jiskani, swiftly engaged to offer medical assistance, coordinating with prominent doctors and surgeons in the region. Unfortunately, Mahar could not be saved. Sukkur SSP Malik disclosed that three distinct police teams, each led by a DSP, were diligently pursuing the attackers who arrived on a motorbike. W
hile two teams established cordons and conducted snap checks, the third unit meticulously examined CCTV footage. Although the precise impetus for the attack remains unclear, Malik indicated that a personal dispute might be at the heart of the incident. He further revealed that Mahar had not sought personal security or informed local law enforcement about his ongoing disagreement in Shikarpur. As the investigation unfolds, it appears that an old grudge could be the underlying cause of this tragic murder, highlighting the pressing need for thorough scrutiny and accountability in the pursuit of justice.
Jan Muhammad Mahar Death Questions Journalist's Safety
The recent incident involving the tragic killing of Jan Mohammad Mahar not only constitutes a grave infringement upon the fundamental freedom of the press but also stands as a stark and unsettling reminder of the perilous hazards that journalists encounter while steadfastly pursuing truth and information. In response to this disheartening event, the World Sindhi Congress (WSC), expressing its concerns on X (formerly known as Twitter), lamented the loss of Jan Mohammad Mahar and the ramifications it bears for the cherished principles of free expression and transparency, which form the bedrock of a just and equitable society.
The WSC further voiced its deep apprehensions regarding Pakistan's consistent ranking among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists. The pattern of violence and intimidation against press members has generated an atmosphere fraught with fear and censorship, hindering the dissemination of vital information that sustains an informed citizenry. Amidst this context, the WSC also highlighted the acts of violence perpetrated against minorities within Pakistan, emphasizing the broader implications of such violence.
The WSC unequivocally called upon the authorities within Pakistan to promptly and effectively pursue the culprits responsible for this heinous crime. Urging for a thorough and transparent investigation, the WSC underlined the significance of holding those accountable who perpetrate such acts of violence against journalists. Such a resolute stance, the WSC emphasized, would send a robust message that the reprehensible act of inflicting violence upon journalists will not go unchallenged or unpunished.
As the investigation proceeds, the police's role in bringing justice to this tragic incident remains crucial. By upholding the principles of accountability and justice, society can collectively uphold the tenets of free speech, journalistic integrity, and the essential pursuit of truth.
Investigation Over Jan Muhammad Mahar
Following the tragic incident involving Jan Mohammad Mahar, the police have initiated a thorough search for the perpetrators. As news of the incident spread, a substantial number of media personnel swiftly congregated at the hospital, deeply shocked by the untimely passing of Mahar. This incident marks just the latest in a string of brutalities targeting the populace of Sindh in Pakistan. Notably, the minority community in Sukkur, Sindh, has borne the brunt of numerous such attacks in recent times, amplifying the prevailing atmosphere of unrest and vulnerability.
In a chilling occurrence earlier this year, armed assailants, reportedly equipped with modern weaponry, descended upon a village near Sukkur, Sindh. In a brazen display of audacity, they rode motorcycles past the Sangi police station before infiltrating the village of Nirch in broad daylight. Tragically, this attack resulted in the kidnapping of two women and a child, alongside the loss of at least two men's lives. The assailants also left several individuals injured, further illustrating the magnitude of the violence.
In another deeply unsettling incident, local Sikhs and Hindus were targeted within a historical Gurdwara, where miscreants reportedly desecrated the revered Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of the Sikh faith. Despite their apprehension and subsequent handover to the police, these individuals were allegedly released without proper investigation or interrogation, raising concerns about the efficacy of the judicial process.
These events underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and diligent investigations to ensure justice for the victims and to hold the perpetrators accountable. The escalating violence against minorities and journalists underscores broader issues related to security, intolerance, and the imperative of safeguarding the principles of justice, equality, and freedom of expression in the region.
What Happened to Jan Muhammad Mahar - FAQs
Jan Muhammad Mahar, a prominent journalist, was tragically killed in an attack. He was shot multiple times while in his car outside St. Saviour School on Queens Road, according to reports.
Jan Muhammad Mahar was reportedly shot multiple times in the head and close to his eyes while he was in his car. The assailants fled the scene after firing shots into the air to deter locals.
Initially, a clear motive behind the attack couldn't be determined. However, the police speculated that an old enmity might have been a possible cause for the murder.
The local journalist community and a significant number of media personnel were shocked by the news of Jan Muhammad Mahar's death. They gathered at the hospital where he was taken and expressed their sorrow over the tragic incident.
Jan Muhammad Mahar's killing is emblematic of the dangers that journalists face while pursuing truth and information. It also sheds light on the ongoing challenges related to press freedom, safety for journalists, and the need for accountability in such incidents.