Sindh police has reopened investigations into the murder of Shan Dahar, bureau chief of Aab Takk television channel in Larkana. Dahar was murdered on 1 January, 2014, in town of Badah in Larkana.

Riaz Khushk, brother-in-law of Dahar had on January 1, 2015 registered a criminal complaint (First Information Report or FIR) of his murder. However, the police investigators ignored the FIR and concluded that Dahar was killed accidently by areal shooting of New Year’s Eve.

Fauzia Dahar, sister of slain journalist and other family members rejected the police investigation report and continued to maintain Dahar was murdered for his reporting. The family had been working for re-investigation of his case. Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) has been supporting the family quest for justice for the Dahar. Shan Dahar was also the recipient of the PPF Press Freedom Award for 2014.

Finally after 28 months on 14 January, 2014, Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah informed media of the reinvestigation of the murder of Dahar was underway and perpetrators would be brought to justice. The Chief Minster also announced a grant of 500,000 rupees (about US$ 4,750) for the family of the slain journalist.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Abdullah Shaikh in Larkana ordered the re-investigation of the case and has assigned Superintendent of Police (SP) headquarter Tauqeer Naeem to re-investigate the case.

Pakistan Press Foundation