- May 28
- 5 min read

Silencing the Truth: The Tragic Assassination of Nasrullah Gadani and the Fight for Press Freedom in Sindh

Nasrullah Gadani was a fearless investigative journalist in Pakistan who dedicated his career to uncovering corruption, human rights abuses, and the influence of powerful groups in his home province of Sindh. Based in the rural town of Mirpur Mathelo, Gadani relentlessly pursued stories of injustice despite the risks and threats he faced. His hard-hitting reports exposed the activities of feudal lords, businesses, and even the military's ventures in Sindh.

Gadani's truth-telling came at a heavy price. On the evening of May 21, 2024, he was gunned down in a targeted attack outside his home. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Gadani's murder sparked outrage in Pakistan and abroad, drawing condemnation from press freedom organizations and demands for a full investigation.

The tragic assassination of Nasrullah Gadani underscores the dangers journalists confront in Pakistan. But his legacy lives on through those inspired by his courage and commitment to holding the powerful accountable. Though he was silenced, the causes Gadani championed have only grown louder. His death ignited calls for greater protections for journalists and catalyzed a movement for transparency and democratic freedoms in Sindh. This is the story of Nasrullah Gadani's life, the deadly forces he challenged, and the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Pakistan.

Nasrullah Gadani's Beginnings:

Nasrullah Gadani was born in the village of Korai Goth in the Mirpur Mathelo region of Sindh province. Growing up in a modest home, Gadani took an interest in writing and journalism from a young age. After graduating from high school, he began working for a local newspaper covering issues affecting his community, including poverty, lack of education, and human rights abuses.

Gadani started his journalism career writing about social issues for the Daily Awami Awaz. He wrote stories bringing attention to challenges faced by peasants, laborers, and religious minorities in Sindh. Gadani took risks even in these early years, unafraid to speak truth to power. In the mid-2000s, he began investigating cases of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu women in Sindh, ruffling feathers of influential figures.

As Gadani delved deeper into investigative reporting, he cultivated sources among activists, journalists, and whistleblowers to report on injustices and corruption. His bold reporting on touchy topics like land grabbing by feudal lords demonstrated Gadani's commitment to exposing the truth no matter the cost. Despite the dangers, Gadani remained devoted to giving voice to the oppressed through his journalism.

Reporting on Corruption and Human Rights Abuses:

Nasrullah Gadani was a fearless investigative journalist who reported on sensitive topics that challenged powerful interests in Pakistan's Sindh province. He regularly published exposés uncovering corruption among feudal lords, businesses, and the military's activities in Sindh.

Gadani took great risks to expose human rights violations against oppressed groups. His stories highlighted forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of political activists and ethnic minorities like Sindhis and Balochis. He reported on the excessive force used against protestors campaigning for missing persons in Sindh.

The journalist also wrote extensively on the plight of religious minorities and the misuse of blasphemy laws against them. Gadani documented several cases where charges were fabricated to dispossess or extort marginalized groups.

His hard-hitting reports threatened influential bureaucrats, businessmen, and criminal groups involved in land-grabbing and narcotics. Gadani received threats for exposing senior police officials linked to drug mafias in Sindh.

The feudal elite ruling over rural Sindh despised Gadani's coverage of their corruption and neglect of human rights. He endured warnings and intimidation for revealing their embezzlement of funds meant for village development.

Gadani's journalism made him a target, but he refused to be silenced. He continued exposing injustice despite the risks, driven by a commitment to truth and accountability. His brave reporting gave voice to the oppressed while challenging the impunity long enjoyed by the powerful in Sindh.

The Attack on Gadani:

On the evening of May 21, 2024, Nasrullah Gadani was shot multiple times by unknown assailants outside his home in the small town of Mirpur Mathelo in Sindh province. Gadani was on way to the town on his motorcycle at around 11:00 am.

Police brought Gadani, who had suffered critical gunshot wounds to his abdomen and lungs, to Mirpur Mathelo hospital where doctors provided him emergency medical aid and immediately sent him to Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, for surgery, from where he was airlifted to Karachi for further treatment.

Gadani's murder was a chilling reminder of the grave dangers journalists face in Pakistan, especially those like him who dare to expose corruption and human rights abuses. The brutal, targeted attack on Gadani outside his own home highlighted the lack of protection for members of the press. It also demonstrated the impunity with which violent groups silence those who seek to bring truth to light.

The body of the journalist was transported to his native town, Qabool Gadani, where numerous people congregated for his funeral service. He was then buried in a nearby graveyard as thousands looked on, including media personnel and leaders of nationalist parties.

Gadani is survived by his wife, four sons, two daughters, and mother.

Many blocked the highway and protested outside the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, demanding the arrest of his killers.

The news of his passing ignited anger and demonstrations by journalists in various cities.

In Karachi, reporters left the Sindh Assembly press gallery in protest and called for the arrest of Gadani's murderers and Jan Mohammed Mahar's, who was recently killed in Sukkur.

Chanting against the murders of journalists, they walked out before meeting with Home Minister Zia Lanjar and Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who promised action.

The home minister said suspects were in custody and progress was expected soon.

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists denounced the brutal murder, noting the lack of arrests despite years of fatal attacks. President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Nasari said the dangerous climate makes journalism difficult, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators and compensation for Gadani's family.

Black flags flew at press clubs as groups demonstrated against the killing across Sindh. Protesters called it an attack on independent media and free expression. Civil society organizations also protested outside the Karachi Press Club, seeking justice.

The Awami Awaz media group announced 3 days of mourning and a May 27th protest.

PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, CM Murad Ali Shah, MQM-P, SUP, STP and others paid tribute to the slain journalist, calling the murder an attack on Sindh's conscience and demanding the arrest of the killers.

DIG-Sukkur Pir Mohammed Shah said Gadani was shot by gunmen while riding his motorcycle. Investigators collected 9mm bullet casings, sending them for analysis to identify links to other crimes. They are exploring motives including activism, personal grudges and politics by analyzing social media, call records and comments.