Khawar Hussain, a Karachi-based journalist and reporter for Dawn News channel, was found shot dead on Sunday in Sanghar, police said.
According to police and initial investigations, Hussain was discovered inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head, parked outside a private hotel on Hyderabad Road late Saturday night. A licensed pistol—registered in his name—was found in his hand.
CCTV footage reportedly shows that he was alone at the scene, entering and exiting the hotel’s washroom multiple times before returning to his car.
DIG Faisal Bashir said CCTV footage from outside the hotel is under review.
At one point, according to Dawn News reporter Asim Khan, Hussain was seen going into the restaurant in the CCTV footage. He asked for the washroom and then returned to his car.
Witnesses told the police that no sound of gunfire was heard. The car windows were rolled up, and no evidence was found of anyone nearby or any commotion around the vehicle.
The DIG said call data records were being retrieved and would be available within 24 hours. The body has been placed at a Hyderabad mortuary, while the post-mortem is awaited.
Sanjhay Sadhwani, a colleague of Hussain, said the journalist had been a political reporter for 10 years, having worked with Apna News and Aaj News before joining Dawn News.
High-level investigative committee formed
A high-level investigative committee has been formed to probe the mysterious death of the veteran journalist, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The committee is headed by Additional Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Azaad Khan, and includes DIG West Irfan Baloch and SSP Sanghar Abid Baloch as members. The notification was officially issued by DIG Crime and Investigation Aamir Farooqi.
The panel has been tasked with reviewing all aspects of the case and is expected to submit its findings to the Sindh Inspector General of Police within two days.
The incident has drawn swift reactions from both the provincial government and media organisations. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori have expressed deep concern and called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s House stated that the CM has sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police and instructed that the probe be led by a senior and competent officer.
Murad Ali Shah also expressed deep sorrow over Hussain’s death and extended prayers for strength and patience to the bereaved family, while directing the local administration to fully support them.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of anchor and senior reporter Khawar Hussain, calling it a significant loss to the journalistic community.
In a statement, Bilawal said Hussain was a committed and responsible professional, and his sudden demise has come as a shock to the entire media fraternity.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon called his death an irreparable loss, while Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar sought a report from the Sanghar SSP and said Hussain’s contributions to journalism were unforgettable.
Journalistic bodies demand justice
The circumstances surrounding Hussain’s death have triggered concern and speculation among journalist and civil society circles, with widespread calls for clarity, accountability, and justice.
The Karachi Press Club, where Hussain was an active member, has demanded an impartial investigation and announced a three-day mourning period.
The Karachi Union of Journalists (Dastoor) expressed profound grief over the reporter’s death and demanded an immediate and independent probe. In a statement, KUJ Dastoor called upon the Sindh Chief Minister and Interior Minister to constitute a high-level inquiry committee and guarantee a transparent investigation.
The journalist body also condemned what it called a premature conclusion by police that labelled the death a suicide. It urged the Sindh Inspector General to conduct a comprehensive investigation into what it described as a suspected murder, examining all possible angles.
Separately, speaking to The Express Tribune, Iqbal Khattak, Executive Director of Freedom Network and Pakistan representative of Reporters Without Borders, said they were working to determine the motive behind the murder of journalist Khawar Hussain. He added that all aspects of the investigation must be shared to establish whether the killing was work-related.
“Sindh remains critical for safety of journalists despite having special law for protection of journalists. The commission working under this law is hoped will take the lead to get all details of this journalist’s murder.”
SCPJMP seeks police report on Khawar Hussain’s death
Sindh Commission for the Protection of Journalists and Other Media Practitioners (SCPJMP) has expressed concern over the sudden death of Khawar Hussain and sought a detailed report from police.
In a letter addressed to the Sanghar Senior Superintendent of Police, the Commission directed him to submit the initial report on the incident. It also asked for details of the investigation conducted and actions taken so far.
Copies of the directive were forwarded to the SCPJMP chairperson, the focal person at Sanghar, the home department secretary, and the Sindh inspector-general of police. The letter was issued by Saeed Memon, Secretary of SCPJMP.
News Published in Express Tribune on August 19, 2025.