In an apparent sectarian attack, Syed Shakir Ali Rizvi, a leader of the Shia community and a senior advocate, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in this eastern Pakistani city on Friday.
Witnesses said Rizvi’s car was intercepted by two gunmen on a motorcycle shortly after he left his chamber near Jain Mandar in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province.
The gunmen fired at the car and killed Rizvi instantly. The gunmen fled before policemen reached the site. The incident occurred at a short distance from the Lahore High Court complex. Rizvi was an active member of the Pakistan Peace and Harmony Network and was pursuing the case of Ghulam Raza Naqvi, leader of the Pakistan Sipah-e-Muhammad.
Police said they had no information regarding the motive behind the murder but Rizvi’s relatives said they suspected the involvement of sectarian elements. No group claimed responsibility for the incident.
Published 19 October 2012, 18:57 IST