Mirpur Mathelo Press Club Secretary Tufail Rind Shot Dead, Injured Niece Also Succumbs to Injuries

Ghotki: In a tragic incident, General Secretary of Mirpur Mathelo Press Club, journalist **Tufail Rind**, was shot dead in Ghotki district on Tuesday morning. According to initial police reports, unidentified assailants opened fire on Rind while he was taking his children to school. The attack occurred on **Jarwar Road near Maso Wah** in Mirpur Mathelo.

Police confirmed that **Tufail Rind died on the spot**, and his body was shifted to the **DHQ Hospital Mirpur Mathelo**. Later, officials reported that his **eight-year-old niece, Rina**, who was critically injured in the attack, also succumbed to her injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Sindh Chief Minister **Syed Murad Ali Shah**, Provincial Minister **Sharjeel Inam Memon**, and Interior Minister **Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar** strongly condemned the killing.

In his statement, CM Murad Ali Shah said that **“attacks on journalists are an attack on press freedom”**, directing the Inspector General of Police to submit a detailed report and ensure the **immediate arrest of the culprits**. He also extended condolences to the bereaved family, assuring that the **investigation would be impartial and transparent**.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon called the murder “**deeply saddening and condemnable**,” adding that such incidents threaten freedom of expression and will not be tolerated. He assured that the provincial government stands with the victim’s family in this difficult time.

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar also demanded a **comprehensive inquiry** from DIG Sukkur, stressing that the perpetrators must be arrested and brought to justice without delay.

Meanwhile, **Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ)** Vice President **Akbar Jafri** expressed outrage over the killing, calling it **a stark reminder of the government’s failure to protect journalists**.

He revealed that Tufail Rind had recently posted on social media expressing **fears for his life**, but no protective action was taken by the authorities. “The murder of Tufail Rind proves that there is no effective policy in place to ensure journalists’ safety in Sindh or across Pakistan,” he said.

Jafri demanded **swift arrest and exemplary punishment** for the killers and called for the **immediate introduction of a journalist protection policy**. He added that the journalist community remains united and will continue its struggle for press freedom and safety, stating, *“Silence now would only mean waiting for the next tragedy.”*