Unknown gunmen riding a motorbike targeted Shoaib Burni, the bureau chief of a TV station in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, on January 14. Burni sustained injuries to his left arm during the attack, which occurred in the Lucky One area. The incident was reported by Suno News and confirmed by Naimat Khan, General Secretary of the Karachi Union of Journalists.

Khan stated that while the motive behind the attack remained unclear, it appeared to be a deliberate targeting of Burni, known for his balanced reporting. Police have launched an investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting a deliberate assault.

Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator, emphasized the urgency of investigating the incident and holding the perpetrators accountable. He highlighted the risks journalists face in Pakistan, especially with upcoming elections scheduled for February 8.

The political atmosphere in Pakistan is marked by uncertainty following the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted after a no-confidence vote in 2022.

Suno News, a privately-owned Pakistani TV station, broadcasts news and current affairs in Urdu and maintains an English news website.