Senior Lawyer Shot Dead Outside Mosque in Karachi

A senior lawyer lost his life in a suspected targeted attack outside a mosque in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area on Friday. His son sustained injuries in the same incident, police officials confirmed.

Gunman Opens Fire in DHA

According to South DIG Syed Asad Raza, the attack took place shortly after funeral prayers at a mosque in DHA. Advocate Khawaja Shamsul Islam and his son were leaving the mosque when a lone assailant opened fire on them and fled the scene.

Both victims were rushed to a private hospital in Clifton. Despite medical efforts, Khawaja Shamsul Islam succumbed to his injuries. His son was being treated for gunshot wounds.

Ongoing Investigations

Initial investigations suggest the lawyer may have been targeted due to past legal disputes. DIG Raza said the police are examining his previous involvement in two criminal cases. The first dates back to 2021.

In that year, a man filed a First Information Report (FIR) with Boat Basin police after his father was murdered. The complainant attempted to name Islam as a suspect but failed to provide substantial evidence. The case was declared “A-Class” by police, meaning it was considered untraceable due to lack of proof.

Second FIR and Alleged Attack

The second incident took place in 2024. The same complainant, who is also an advocate, registered another FIR. He alleged that while going for evening prayers with Islam in Karachi’s Zamzama area, they were attacked by a group of 15 to 20 armed individuals. The complainant from the first case was allegedly among the attackers.

Islam was injured in that ambush, and weapons including iron rods and firearms were reportedly used. Police later arrested some suspects, and the case was handed over to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) for further probe. Authorities began treating it as an extortion-related matter.

Pattern of Violence Against Legal Professionals

Friday’s attack highlights growing concerns over the safety of legal professionals in Pakistan. The Karachi incident follows another recent act of violence targeting members of the judiciary.

In April 2025, a civil judge and a lawyer were killed in an armed attack on the motorway in Nowshera district. Authorities identified the victims as Mohammad Hayat, a civil judge from Mardan, and Khalid Khan, a lawyer from Rustam area. They were ambushed and killed on the spot. Their bodies were transported to Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex.

Read: Police Probe Second Marriage Angle in Suspected Honour Killing

Legal Community in Shock

The Karachi Bar Association and other legal bodies condemned the attack on Islam and demanded swift justice. Several senior lawyers called for increased security measures, especially for those involved in sensitive or high-profile cases.

Advocate Khawaja Shamsul Islam was known for his outspoken views and had practiced law for over two decades. He had represented clients in numerous criminal and civil cases, often taking on controversial matters. Legal peers described him as a brave professional unafraid of pressure or threats.

Police Search for Attacker

Karachi police have launched a city-wide manhunt to trace the gunman. CCTV footage from the mosque and nearby streets is under review. Investigators believe the shooter may have acted on a planned tip or received assistance from individuals close to the victims.

DIG Raza said, “We are reviewing both past threats and recent cases linked to the deceased. The nature of this attack suggests it was premeditated.”

Call for Protection and Accountability

This latest attack has sparked renewed calls for the government to provide better protection to lawyers, judges, and witnesses involved in contentious legal battles. Human rights groups have long warned of growing risks faced by legal professionals in Pakistan, especially in urban centers like Karachi and Lahore.

Officials said that any individual with prior conflicts or grudges against Islam will be interrogated. The police assured that updates will be shared once initial findings are verified.

The investigation continues.