Hamid Mir targeted in Karachi, brother accuses ISI for shooting

Alia Tabassum

janjua.raja@yahoo.com

Pakistani journalist and news anchor Hamid Mir targeted in Karachi on Saturday evening. Hamid Mir's brother Amir Mir accused some ISI officials including General Zaheerul Islam for target-shooting on Hamid 

Mir. Senior journalist's condition is stable after successful operation in a private hospital.

Hamid Mir 48, was heading to his office after leaving Jinnah International Airport when a gunman emptied magazine of 9MM pistol.  In initial police report seven bullets directly hit his car including three bullets pierced his intestine, pelvic area and leg. A money changer shop's security guard also opened fire on attackers which made them flee, says Karachi Police Chief Shahid Hayat.

Driver showed vigilance and rushed injured Hamid Mir to Agha Khan Hospital Karachi where he went through operation.

Soon after attack journalist and brother Amir Mir accused ISI for targeting Hamid Mir. He said Hamid Mir had informed him about a plan made by ISI officials and chief to assassinate him. He claimed Hamid Mir had also sent a video message Committee to Protect Journalists for threat to his life.

Another journalist Abdul Maalik also second Amir's statement and claimed he was present there when Hamid Mir clearly mentioned about threat to his life. He claimed, Hamid Mir said his life is not risked by 

Taliban he signalled ISI had made plan to take his life.

Some analysts say involvement of other group or member can't be ruled out in Mir's case as journalists' are on hit list of different criminal groups.  Some says accusing ISI before any investigation would start was like jumping the gun that could mislead the inquiry.

Prime Minister of Pakistan assured Mir's family impartial inquiry into the attack on Hamid Mir. ISPR condemned the attack also added raising baseless allegation against any department was regrettable.