Noted Lawyer Shamsul Islam Shot Dead in Karachi, Son Injured

News Desk

Karachi: Senior lawyer and civil law expert Advocate Khawaja Shamsul Islam was shot dead in a targeted attack outside Quran Academy in DHA Phase VI on Friday.

His son, Daniyal, was injured in the incident. The shooting occurred as the two were exiting the mosque after attending Friday prayers and a funeral service.

According to police, the attack appears to be motivated by personal enmity. The prime suspect has been identified as Imran Afridi, son of the late Nabi Gul Afridi, a former gunman.

Police investigations reveal that the Afridi family held Advocate Islam responsible for Nabi Gul’s murder, for which a case was registered at Boat Basin police station in 2021.

Islam, known for his litigation in high-value property disputes, was notably involved in the controversial case surrounding the conversion of Fatima Jinnah’s residence into a girls’ hostel and dental college.

The fatal shooting took place within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan police station. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailant, wearing shalwar kameez, a blue waistcoat, and a face mask, shouted that he was avenging his father’s murder before opening fire.

Police recovered two spent 9mm shells and a bullet slug from the crime scene. Advocate Islam was shot in the chest, while his son sustained a bullet wound to his lower back.

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DIG South Syed Asad Raza, SSP South Mehroz Ali, and other senior officials reached the scene. The crime scene unit collected evidence, and CCTV footage is being reviewed to trace the assailant’s escape route.

SSP South confirmed to media that Islam had previously survived a similar attack in November 2024, which is now being linked to this case.

Separately, police detained two suspects from the Sikandarabad area of Keamari in connection with Afridi. CTD in-charge Raja Umar Khattab stated that the preliminary investigation suggests the motive was personal revenge, although further inquiry is ongoing.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed sorrow over the lawyer’s killing and extended condolences to his family. He directed law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and ensure the culprits are brought to justice.

The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) strongly condemned the murder. KBA General Secretary Rehman Korai announced a strike for Saturday and warned of continued protests until the assailant is arrested.

He criticized the police for their failure to prevent the attack and said the incident raised serious concerns about law enforcement’s performance. The KBA has begun contacting lawyers’ bodies across the country in a show of solidarity.

The late lawyer had earlier attended the funeral prayer of businessman Muzammil Paracha, known for purchasing the most expensive number plate—”1″—in an Excise Department auction earlier this year.

Additional input  from the Express tribune.