Tragic Death of Journalist Tufail Rind in Sindh
On Wednesday morning, a local journalist named Tufail Rind was tragically shot dead by unidentified armed men in the Mirpur Mathelo area of Ghotki district in Sindh. The incident occurred while Rind was on his way to drop his children off at school. According to a police press release, the shooting took place on Jerwar Road near Maso Wah, where the assailants, riding a motorcycle, opened fire indiscriminately at his car.
“Rind died on the spot, while his children miraculously escaped unharmed,” the police stated. Witnesses reported that the attackers fled the scene after the assault, causing panic in the area. The police later transported the body to the District Headquarters Hospital of Mirpur Mathelo for medico-legal formalities.
Immediate Response from Authorities
The police statement mentioned that upon receiving the information, Ghotki’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anwar Khetran immediately arrived at the crime scene. He inspected the site, met with the victim’s family, and issued “strict orders to the concerned officers for prompt action.”
“The SSP Ghotki assured the victim’s family that all individuals involved in the murder would be arrested soon and brought to justice,” the statement added.
According to a relative of the victim, Rind was associated with Mehran Newspaper and Royal News. He also served as an office-bearer of the Mirpur Mathelo Press Club. He had previously survived an assassination attempt, during which he requested security from the local administration, but no effective measures were taken.
Previous Incidents and Arrests
SSP Khetran confirmed in a statement that Rind had complained a few months ago about an incident of gunfire at his home. He mentioned that police had made arrests at that time. “We also arrested one person in connection with that on Oct. 4 (Saturday),” he added. “Rind was in contact with us and appreciated that the arrests were made.”
A few hours after the murder, another tragedy struck when Rind’s eight-year-old niece fainted upon hearing the news of the killing. She was rushed to Mirpur Mathelo Hospital and later referred to Sukkur due to her critical condition, but she died on the way. Her body was handed over to the family after medico-legal procedures.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Ghotki’s SSP Khetran has said that two suspects have already been arrested in connection with Rind’s murder. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Outcry from the Journalist Community
Rind’s murder sparked widespread grief and anger across the journalist community in Pakistan. Journalists across Sindh staged protests, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits and the introduction of effective laws to protect journalists. The protests included a sit-in observed in front of the SSP’s office.
Political Reactions
Sindh Chief Minister (CM), Syed Murad Ali Shah, expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the journalist in Ghotki. The CM has directed the Inspector General of Police to ensure the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and ordered an intensification of operations against dacoits in the riverine area.
Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon strongly condemned the murder of journalist Tufail Haiderani Rind in Mirpur Mathelo and expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
Ongoing Challenges for Journalists
This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Pakistan, especially those working in regions with high levels of violence and instability. The need for stronger protections and more effective law enforcement remains a pressing concern for media professionals and human rights advocates alike.
