Legendary Qawal Amjad Sabri Shot Dead
Unknown gunmen riding motorbikes opened fire on a car in Karachi on Wednesday, killing famous Pakistani Qawwal Amjad Sabri and two others, officials and family said. The deadly attack took place in Liaquatabad area of the city. His brother and driver were also killed in the firing.
Amjad Sabri was critically wounded in the attack. He was rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. “Amjad Sabri expired on the way to the hospital,” police surgeon Rohina Hasan said. “He was shot three times.” An eyewitness who was on the crime scene said that one gunman fired 3 shots on Amjad Sabri sahab near Lalo Khait No 10 in Liaquatabad. “Amjad Sabri was still alive when I identified him and he remained there for 15 to 20 minutes before being shifted to hospital,” he said, adding that many people were gathered there after the shooting.
Amjad Sabri was targeted as he drove out of his home in Liaquat to join Ramadan transmission. Islamabad High Court had issued notice to the singer and two TV channels for playing qawwali in a morning show making mention of some religious figures. The qawwali was deemed as offensive. While the blasphemy case was registered against Geo News, the onus was put on the Ajmad Sabri and the lyricist for the blasphemy row by the advocate. Ban was sought on the qawwali that caused the row.
He was the son of the late Ghulam Farid Sabri and nephew of Maqbool Sabri, who led the famous Sabri brothers Sufi band. Sabri was one of the country’s leading and most sought-after Sufi musicians. Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam which has many followers in Pakistan. However, since 2005, there has been an increase in attacks on Sufi shrines and followers.
Fans worldwide took to socialmedia to express thier grief and pain over the brutal murder of Amjad Sabri
Deeply saddened by the horrific murder of one of my fave Qawal #AmjadSabri We've lost a beautiful voice. The pride of Pakistan.
— Maz Bonafide (@MazBONAFIDE) 22 June 2016
Just heard that legendary Qawal Amjad Sabri has passed away in target killing. Just can't believe it.
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) 22 June 2016
The scream of gun has silenced the beautiful voice of #AmjadSabri May Allah bless him in Jannat : Admin
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanTPT) 22 June 2016
Heart-wrenching.. deeply saddened 2 know abt the assassination of renowned Qawal Amjad Sabri sb.. V lost a beautiful voice & a human being..
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) 22 June 2016
Amjad Sabri had submitted an application for protection as per his family but Home department did NOTHING…Shameful & disgusting
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) 22 June 2016
The brutal murder of Amjad Sabri is disturbing.Please refrain from posting videos online.My thoughts & prayers are with his family
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) 22 June 2016
No words. This is extremely sad, disturbing and unacceptable specially since he had submitted an application for his protection! #AmjadSabri
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) 22 June 2016
May Allah forgive his soul . Extremely saddened by his untimely demise #AmjadSabri pic.twitter.com/f10d4LvrFO
— Junaid Jamshed (@JunaidJamshedPK) 22 June 2016
Senior MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar quoted Amjad Sabri saying that he was receiving threats for his refusal a TV program. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Liaquatabad SHO was suspended following the attack.
Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Sial strongly condemned the assassination of Pakistani Qawwal and expressed sympathy with his family. He said that a meeting was convened to discuss the law and order situation. He said that Sindh government was trying its level best to maintain law and order in the city.
