October 18, 2025
Web desk
Pakistan’s media community is reeling after the killings of two journalists anchor Imtiaz Mir in Karachi and reporter Tufail Rind in Ghotki in what rights groups say reflects the country’s worsening climate of intolerance and impunity.
On September 21, Mir was shot while driving home in Karachi’s Malir area. Two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire, leaving him and his brother critically injured. Mir died a week later in hospital.
Police initially linked the attack to a personal dispute, but an Iran-linked group calling itself Lashkar-e-Tharallah later claimed responsibility, alleging Mir was targeted for his 2023 visit to Israel. Authorities, however, say there’s no verified record of the group’s existence and believe the claim may be meant to stoke fear.
Days later, on October 8, reporter Tufail Rind was gunned down in Ghotki while taking his children to school. Police described it as a targeted attack and are investigating possible local motives.
Journalist unions condemned both killings, calling them an attack on press freedom.
Pakistan remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, with watchdogs recording at least five media workers killed in 2025 alone.
