KARACHI - Khawar Hussain, a Karachi-based journalist and reporter for Dawn News channel, was found shot dead on Sunday in Sanghar, police said. According to police and initial investigations, Hussain was discovered inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head, parked outside a private hotel on Hyderabad Road late Saturday night. A licensed pistol—registered in his name—was found in his hand. CCTV footage reportedly shows that he was alone at the scene, entering and exiting the hotel’s washroom multiple times before returning to his car.
DIG Faisal Bashir said CCTV footage from outside the hotel is under review.
At one point, according to Dawn News reporter Asim Khan, Hussain was seen going into the restaurant in the CCTV footage. He asked for the washroom and then returned to his car. Witnesses told the police that no sound of gunfire was heard. The car windows were rolled up, and no evidence was found of anyone nearby or any commotion around the vehicle. The DIG said call data records were being retrieved and would be available within 24 hours. The body has been placed at a Hyderabad mortuary, while the post-mortem is awaited. Sanjhay Sadhwani, a colleague of Hussain, said the journalist had been a political reporter for 10 years, having worked with Apna News and Aaj News before joining Dawn News. High-level investigative committee formed
A high-level investigative committee has been formed to probe the mysterious death of the veteran journalist, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The committee is headed by Additional Inspector General of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Azaad Khan, and includes DIG West Irfan Baloch and SSP Sanghar Abid Baloch as members. The notification was officially issued by DIG Crime and Investigation Aamir Farooqi. The panel has been tasked with reviewing all aspects of the case and is expected to submit its findings to the Sindh Inspector General of Police within two days. The incident has drawn swift reactions from both the provincial government and media organisations. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Governor Kamran Tessori have expressed deep concern and called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation. A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s House stated that the CM has sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police and instructed that the probe be led by a senior and competent officer.
Murad Ali Shah also expressed deep sorrow over Hussain’s death and extended prayers for strength and patience to the bereaved family, while directing the local administration to fully support them. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of anchor and senior reporter Khawar Hussain, calling it a significant loss to the journalistic community. In a statement, Bilawal said Hussain was a committed and responsible professional, and his sudden demise has come as a shock to the entire media fraternity. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon called his death an irreparable loss, while Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar sought a report from the Sanghar SSP and said Hussain’s contributions to journalism were unforgettable. Journalistic bodies demand justice The circumstances surrounding Hussain’s death have triggered concern and speculation among journalist and civil society circles, with widespread calls for clarity, accountability, and justice. The Karachi Press Club, where Hussain was an active member, has demanded an impartial investigation and announced a three-day mourning period.
Meanwhile, the initial autopsy of the journalist Khawar Hussain, whose body was found in his car, has indicated that he died by suicide, police said on Sunday.
Hussain, a young journalist associated with a private news channel, was found dead in his car in mysterious circumstances Saturday night on Hyderabad Road in Sanghar, SSP Sanghar Abid Baloch told reporters.
As per the initial post-mortem report, the bullet recovered from his head was fired from his licensed pistol. “The evidence so far indicates suicide,” a civil surgeon involved in the examination said.
Police said they have collected fingerprints, CCTV footage and other material for forensic review.
Video evidence shows Hussain entering and leaving a local restaurant twice before returning to his vehicle, where he stayed for nearly two hours, investigators said.
Police have also recovered one of the two mobile phones in use, while the other remains missing.
The investigators say it may have been misplaced, dropped, or left behind, and efforts are underway to trace it. The recovered device has been sent for forensic analysis.
According to police, the investigation is being conducted “with minute attention to detail” to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the journalist’s death.
The journalist had been stationed in Karachi for nearly 10 years, working with different media organisations during his career.
The tragic incident drew a quick notice from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who asked the provincial police chief to submit a report at the earliest.
Shah directed the Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon to assign the case to the best investigators and leave no stone unturned in the investigation.
He also offered condolences to Hussain’s family, prayed for their strength, and instructed the administration to extend them support.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori also expressed grief over Hussain’s death and asked the authorities to carry out a probe into the incident.