Shams-ul-Islam Murder Case: Shahid Afridi Played a Role in Mediating Peace Between Victim and Alleged Killer, Claims Accused

Karachi: The murder case of renowned lawyer Shams-ul-Islam, which took place in Karachi’s Defence Phase 6, is moving closer to resolution as CCTV footage and the confession of the accused have clarified the details of the incident. According to police and sources, the killing appears to be the result of old enmity and personal revenge. However, a surprising twist came when one of the named suspects claimed that former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi had mediated a peace deal between Shams-ul-Islam and his alleged killer prior to the murder.
According to police, Shams-ul-Islam was shot dead as he exited a mosque in Khayaban-e-Rahat after offering prayers. The shooting left Shams-ul-Islam dead on the spot, while his son Daniyal and another worshipper were injured. CCTV footage clearly shows the accused firing at Shams-ul-Islam and fleeing through the back door of the mosque. After the incident, the suspect was heard shouting, “I have avenged my father’s murder.”
The case has been filed by the victim’s brother, Khawaja Faisal, at the Darakhshan police station. FIR number 593/2025 includes charges of murder, attempted murder, and anti-terrorism laws. According to the FIR, after the funeral, Shams-ul-Islam and his son were ambushed as they were coming down from the mosque, with the attacker firing two shots—one hitting Shams-ul-Islam and the other hitting his son. The accused then took advantage of the chaos and escaped.
The case took an unexpected turn when accused Imran Afridi’s video statement was released, in which he admitted that Shams-ul-Islam had allegedly kidnapped and murdered his father. Imran Afridi stated that there had been a financial dispute of 3.5 million rupees between his father and Shams-ul-Islam, which escalated into a conflict. He also claimed that Shams-ul-Islam had filed false cases against his brothers and involved women in the legal battles. Imran Afridi explained that, after exhausting all legal avenues, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
The accused also clarified that no friends or relatives were involved in the crime, urging law enforcement not to harass them.
In a separate development, a video statement by Takdeer Afridi, another suspect in the case, was released. Takdeer Afridi claimed that he had never been suspended during his 21 years of service in the police and had no criminal record. He accused Shams-ul-Islam of raiding his home twice, involving terrorism charges, and attempting to drag his family members into the legal disputes.
Takdeer Afridi further revealed that former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi had played a role in mediating peace between Shams-ul-Islam and Imran Afridi. On March 20, 2025, Shahid Afridi’s efforts led to a resolution, with an agreement that Shams-ul-Islam would pay a blood money (Diyat) and Imran Afridi would withdraw the case against his father. However, despite the agreement, Shams-ul-Islam continued legal actions, which escalated the situation once again.
Takdeer Afridi further elaborated on the repeated injustices they faced, claiming that Shams-ul-Islam had forcibly named innocent individuals in various FIRs, and that the family had not received justice.
Police officials also stated that Shams-ul-Islam had been attacked earlier this year and was injured in that incident. To investigate the murder, a six-member investigative committee, headed by the SSP of Keamari, has been formed. The notification for the committee has been issued by DIG Asad Raza.