PM Nawaz condemns attack on Samaa TV van, terms it 'assault on freedom of speech'

ISLAMABAD - On Sunday Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned an attack on DSNG van of Samaa TV, calling it an assault on freedom of speech and expression.

According to a statement issued by PM House, the premier said that the government will extend all necessary assistance to provincial government to apprehend those responsible for the heinous crime.

Meanwhile, Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair made a telephone call to Inspector General of Sindh police AD Khawaja, directing him to submit a report into the incident.

He directed the IG Sindh to bring the attackers to book.

Earlier, unknown gunmen opened fire at Samaa’s DSNG van near KDA Chowrangi in Karachi that left assistant cameraman Taimur dead.

The 22-year-old was an employee of Samaa TV who received a bullet wound in his head. He was rushed to the nearby Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, but lost his battle for life.

The media van was in the area to cover a cracker attack on a police vehicle, which occurred minutes before it was attacked by unidentified gunmen.

"Our team members along with the DSNG had gone there to cover the cracker attack on the police vehicle when they came under attack," said Farhan Malik, Samaa TV’s director news.