Journalist attcked in Pakistan, 1 killed

LAHORE: Two unidentified gunmen today opened fire on senior Pakistani analyst and writer Raza Rumi, a highly vocal critic of the Taliban and religious extremists groups, leaving his driver dead and guard injured here.

Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider told PTI that two motorcyclists intercepted Rumi's car at Raja Market, Garden Town, and opened fire on it.

Rumi remained unhurt while his driver Mustafa and guard Anwar suffered bullet injuries.

They were rushed to hospital where Mustafa was pronounced dead while the condition of Anwar is state to be critical.

Rumi is a highly vocal critic of the Taliban and one of the few in the media community here who came out openly against the banned group.

He also frequently spoke against the sectarian groups and religious fundamentalists in the country.

Rumi had recently joined the Express TV channel and was anchoring a talk show.

This is the fourth incident the Express media group came under attack by militants.

In the previous attacks Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan had claimed the responsibility, saying the group especially its English publication - Express Tribune - is criticising the banned group.

Lahore police chief Shafiq Ahmed has termed the incident "target killing".

He said two teams had been constituted to investigate the matter.

The journalist organisations of the country condemned the incident.

Rumi had recently launched a book 'Delhi By Heart - The impressions of a Pakistani traveller'.