Asst cameraman of news channel shot dead in Karachi

KARACHI: An assistant cameraman of a local TV channel was shot dead and van driver injured on Sunday after their van came under fire attack in Karachi, ARY News reported.

Unknown assailants opened fire on DSNG van of news channel Samaa TV near KDA Chowrangi in North Nazimabad area. The DSNG van driver and assistant cameraman got injured in the attack.

Both the injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medical aid where the assistant cameraman, Taimur Abbas, succumbed to gunshot wounds.

Separately, a police mobile van was attacked with a cracker blast near Five Star Chowrangi in the metropolis. No immediate report of a casualty was received till filing of this report.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah taking notice of the unfortunate incidents phoned Inspector General Sindh Police AD Khawaja and demanded report over both the incidents that occurred in District Central.

He directed to mobilize police and said the criminals would be brought to justice.

AFP adds: Taimur Abbas had gone with colleagues to North Nazimabad neighbourhood to report on the assault on police when the van they were travelling in came under fire.

Nobody has yet claimed responsibility for the assault but counter terrorism department chief Raja Umar Khitab said it was a “targeted attack against both media and police”.

A strategic operation in the city by security forces in recent years has brought a lull in violence, but scattered attacks still take place.