DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Senior journalist, Maqbool Hussain Siyal, who was also a district Correspondent for Online News Network, DIK, was shot dead by some unidentified gunmen.
The 32-year old journalist was on his way to meet PPPP leader Nawab Azek ‘s residence when two unknown gunmen riding a bike fired upon him near a Toyota showroom situated on the northern Circular Road.
Bullets pierced the journalist’s head, and he was immediately carried over to the hospital, but due to intensive bleeding he succumbed enroute. His dead body was handed over to his relatives after postmortem at the hospital. His funeral would be held today.
DPO, Muhammad Imtiaz Shah, DIG, Masood Afridi, and other high-ranking officials rushed to the spot of incident to investigate the matter.
Dera Ismail Khan Union of Journalists have strongly condemned the attack which has been termed as a blatant attack on the freedom of press, while demanding immediate arrest of the criminals.
Meanwhile Dera Union of journalists has also announced a protest rally against this gruesome murder.
The murder has also been condemned by president RIPC, Mushtaq Minhas, secretary general Afzal Butt, SVP Aroosa Alam, and other officials who have declared it as a heinous crime against freedom of press.
In its condolence message the union has also demanded immediate investigations about the crime, and arrest those responsible for this gruesome murder.
MEANWHILE CEO, ONLINE News Network, Mohsin Jameel Baig, Editor Sohail Iqbal and Regional Director Abdul Khaliq have also condemned this heinous and shameful assault on freedom of press, and have demanded effective investigations into the gruesome crime by NWFP and Federal governments, and mete exemplary punishment to those involved.
The organization also offered their condolences and expressed their heartfelt sorrow over the killing.
The deceased was one of the renowned journalists of the region, and had rendered his professional duties with aplomb, and diligence.
