Senior TV journalist shot dead while saving citizen during robbery bid in Karachi city

Thieves on a motorcycle shot and killed senior TV journalist Athar Matheen when he tried to ram them with his car to prevent a street robbery in Pakistan's largest city Karachi on Friday, police said.

Athar Mateen, who worked for the Samaa News channel, was headed home after dropping off his children at school when he saw the two men snatching something from a passerby, police officer Nasir Aftab told reporters. Mateen rammed his car into their motorcycle but one of them managed to open fire, killing him.

He received three to four bullets on his body, which caused his death. The thieves then fled the scene.

Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his sorrow over the sad killing of journalist Athar Mateen. He ordered the authorities to hunt the criminals and give exemplary punishment to them.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the killing of TV producer Athar Mateen. He summoned immediate report from the Additional IG Police. He expressed his condolences with the heirs of the deceased and journalist community as well.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed condemned the killing and expressed condolences to Mateen's family, while ordering police to arrest the thieves.

The tragic incident happened at 8:29am when the journalist was coming back after dropping his daughters at school. On the road, he saw that two dacoits were trying to snatch a motorcycle from a citizen. A car rider hit the muggers who fell down on the road and the rider drove away.

Athar Mateen too did the same and hit them. But this time round, the street criminals opened fire on the car and the journalist was hit by their bullets. In a severely injured condition, he was taken to the Saifi Hospital where he breathed his last. 

According to the doctor, Athar Mateen got a bullet in his chest, which proved fatal and took his life. 

It could be seen in the CCTV footage that one criminal was wearing helmet and the other was putting on cap. The outlaws could also be seen running along with the motorcycle.

Slain Athar Mateen was the younger brother of anchor person Tariq Mateen. He is survived by a widow and two daughters. After the news of his murder, a large number of people including his relatives and journalist community reached his place.

Agencies