A senior journalist Khalil Jibran was killed by unidentified gunmen near his residence in Landi Kotal town, police said Wednesday.
Jibran, who was associated with Khyber News was targeted by unidentified miscreants on a motorcycle when he was heading towards his residence with his friend Sajjad Advocate, District Police Officer Khyber Salim Abbas said.
He detailed that the journalist’s car developed a fault near his home when the gunmen surrounded him, dragged him out of his vehicle and opened fire at him.
Jibran, who was also former president of the Landi Kotal Press Club, died on the spot and Sajjad got wounded, while the culprits fled from the scene. His body was shifted to a Landi Kotal hospital for post mortem, the police officer said. The incident took place in Mazreena area in the vicinity of Landi Kotal Police Station, he added.
Abbas claimed that Jibran had also received threats from terrorists.
A first information report of the murder was registered in the Landi Kotal police station against the unknown suspects on the complaint of Sajjad, who is also an eye witness in the case.
The DPO said that terrorism provisions have been added to the case.
Meanwhile, the slain journalist was buried in his native village Sultan Khel, after several people attended his funeral prayer.
Prior to the funeral prayer, a protest was recorded by journalists, political and social personalities on the Khyber-Pak-Afghan highway where the Gibran’s body was also kept.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned Gibran’s killing, instructing the KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and relevant authorities to arrest his murderers.
According to a statement released by the PM Office, the premier said the government will take strong measures to ensure the safety of journalists.
He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the slain journalist’s family.
