KARACHI — Advocate Khawaja Shamsul Islam, a senior lawyer known for his expertise in civil law, was shot dead on Friday outside the Quran Academy in DHA Phase VI. His son, Daniyal, was also injured in the attack. The incident took place as they were leaving the mosque after Friday prayers and attending a funeral.

Islam was widely respected in the legal community and had been involved in several high-profile property litigation cases across Karachi. Notably, he represented a case concerning the conversion of Fatima Jinnah’s historic residence into a girls’ hostel and dental college.

According to police, the attack appears to have stemmed from personal enmity. Imran Afridi, the son of late gunman Nabi Gul Afridi, has been named as the prime suspect, and efforts to arrest him are underway. A murder case against Nabi Gul had been registered at the Boat Basin police station in 2021, and Afridi’s family reportedly blamed Advocate Islam for his killing.

The shooting occurred within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan police station. Islam had just attended the funeral of businessman Muzammil Paracha, who was known for purchasing the most expensive “1” number plate in a recent Excise Department auction.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunman was dressed in a shalwar kameez with a blue waistcoat and wore a mask to conceal his identity. While firing, the assailant allegedly shouted that he was avenging his father’s murder. Police recovered two spent 9mm shells and a slug from the scene. Islam sustained a fatal chest wound, while Daniyal was shot in the lower back.

Senior police officials, including DIG South Syed Asad Raza and SSP South Mehroz Ali, reached the scene as the crime scene unit collected evidence. SSP confirmed to the media that Advocate Islam had also survived an earlier assassination attempt in November 2024, which is now believed to be linked to this case. CCTV footage is being analyzed to trace the suspect’s escape route.

In a related development, police detained two suspects in the Sikandarabad area of Keamari for questioning regarding Afridi. Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in-charge Raja Umar Khattab said that the motive appears to be personal revenge, but further investigations are ongoing.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed grief over Islam’s death and extended condolences to his family. The Chief Minister has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation, directing authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) has strongly condemned the killing. KBA General Secretary Rehman Korai announced a strike on Saturday, stating that the lawyers’ community would continue to protest until the culprits are arrested. He also criticized the police, questioning their performance and urging swift action.