A senior journalist was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan’s Khyber district. His name is Khalil Gibran (50). The police and family members said this on Wednesday.
This journalist, who entered the journalism profession in 2001, worked in various Pashto language private televisions. He served as the President of Landi Kotal Press Club for two terms. He was popular among local residents for his journalism and social activities.
According to police and family, last Tuesday, Khalil went to a place called Majrina in Sultankhel area of the district to participate in a dinner. After the event, he was returning by car with some friends and a local lawyer. When the vehicle reached Landi Kotal area, two gunmen stopped the vehicle and dragged Khalil out. At that time, the gunmen asked the other passengers to get out of the car. They also said that they will not harm them.
At one point, the gunmen fired several shots at the journalist. He was killed on the spot.
The doctors of District Sadar Hospital in Landi Kotal said that there were 19 bullet wounds on Khalil’s body. His arm was also broken. It is believed that Khalil had a scuffle with the attackers.
In this incident, the lawyer Sajjad Khan who was with Khalil was also hit by a bullet. He received treatment and his condition is stable. He has been discharged from the hospital. Sajjad said, when Khalil was being shot, he took shelter in a nearby house.
Local journalists said that journalist Khalil’s frozen body was lying at the scene for an hour. The police arrived late due to the fear of attack by gunmen. Local residents were also afraid to approach the body.
However, the police say that the police went to the spot immediately after receiving the information. A case has been registered against unknown persons in this incident. An investigation into the incident has started.
No militant organization has claimed responsibility for killing Khalil.