Islamabad, April 14 (NationPress) The relatives of the murdered journalist Zakir Hussain, popularly known as Shan Dahar, alongside advocates for media rights, have demanded a renewed investigation into his assassination. They urge for the swift apprehension of suspects who have eluded justice for over a decade, as reported by local media.

During a press briefing held at the Karachi Press Club, Zakir's sister, Fauzia Dahar, along with activists Adil Jawad and Waqar Soomro, accused the police in Larkana of aiding the accused individuals, Irfan Brohi and Amir Zahri, by granting them pre-arrest bail and allegedly orchestrating a “staged arrest” for publicity purposes, according to Pakistan's leading daily, 'The Express Tribune.'

They contended that the police, aware of existing court orders, issued a press release featuring images of the suspect in custody, only to let him go afterward. This action was viewed as indicative of collusion and a significant undermining of the justice system.

Zakir, who served as a bureau chief for a private news channel, was tragically shot in Larkana in 2014 while executing his professional duties. It was noted that the journalist had managed to identify his assailants prior to his demise, as reported by The Express Tribune.

The speakers insisted on a re-examination of the case by a senior official and demanded accountability for negligent authorities, along with protective measures for the victim's family. They underscored that justice has been denied for over 12 years, warning that ongoing inaction would further diminish public trust in law enforcement agencies.

In January, organizations such as Free Press Unlimited, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders urged Pakistani officials to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated, "International press freedom organizations Free Press Unlimited, CPJ, and Reporters Without Borders, united under the A Safer World for the Truth coalition, conducted an independent investigation into Dahar's murder. Their findings reveal a flawed inquiry and a lack of political will that have left the case unresolved. Dahar’s case exemplifies Pakistan's ongoing struggles with journalist murders over the decades."

Furthermore, the coalition's 18-month probe unveiled new evidence illuminating the motives behind the murder and the official investigation. This included video and photographic material that meticulously traced Dahar’s movements on the night of his killing, challenging the authorities’ account of events.

According to their statement, two witnesses identified during the proceedings disclosed they were pressured to provide false testimony. The CPJ noted that authorities overlooked clear signals indicating that Dahar may have been targeted due to his exposure of a scheme involving the illicit resale of donated medicines by local hospitals.

In a statement, the CPJ highlighted, "Footage from the night of the murder shows that Dahar was filming within the local health clinic and purchasing medicines at a nearby pharmacy right before he was shot. Previously, he had accused Dr. Kandhro, the clinic’s in-charge, of being involved in the medicine trafficking. Dr. Kandhro was one of two doctors who were meant to treat Dahar post-shooting and were later suspended for medical negligence that contributed to his death. Neither doctor faced investigation by the police.