Sindh Home Minister has claimed that journalist Imtiaz Mir was killed because of his alleged support for Israel, a statement that has sparked nationwide debate and concern over freedom of expression in Pakistan.
The journalist’s killing in Ghotki had initially been reported as a tragic shooting incident while he was taking his children to school. Later investigations and statements from provincial authorities have taken a political and ideological turn, as officials suggest his social media stance in favor of Israel might have provoked hostility.
According to earlier reports, Imtiaz Mir was shot dead in Ghotki on October 8, 2025, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle. The attack drew strong condemnation from journalist unions, civil society groups, and political leaders demanding a transparent investigation.
The Sindh Home Minister stated that preliminary findings indicate Imtiaz Mir’s posts and remarks about Israel could have been a possible motive behind the targeted attack. He added that the investigation team is exploring multiple angles, including professional disputes, ideological differences, and personal enmities.
Officials emphasized that while the journalist’s murder appeared to have ideological undertones, no concrete link has yet been confirmed. Security agencies are analyzing the suspects’ affiliations and motives as pressure mounts for accountability and justice.
The killing has once again raised questions about the safety of journalists and the risks associated with expressing controversial opinions online. Rights organizations have urged authorities to handle the case sensitively, warning that framing it solely as an ideological issue could overshadow other potential motives.
The Sindh government assured that no aspect of the case will be ignored. Investigators have collected digital evidence, including social media activity, to determine whether the journalist’s murder was a hate-driven crime or an act tied to local disputes.
As the probe continues, the case of Imtiaz Mir stands as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by Pakistani journalists, especially those voicing opinions on polarizing global conflicts.
