Legendary Qawaal Amjad Sabri assassinated in Karachi

Pakistan mourns killing of famed qawwal, a beautiful voice and amazing human being

KARACHI – Renowned Pakistani qawwali singer Amjad Sabri was shot dead in Karachi on Wednesday when unknown gunmen fired at his car. The attack took place in Liaquatabad area of Karachi.

Armed motorcyclists opened fire on the qawwal’s Honda Civic, SP Asghar Usman confirmed. His driver is said to be in a critical condition. Sabri was rushed to the Abbassi Shaheed Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dr Rohina Hasan confirmed Sabri’s death. He was shot thrice – twice in the head and once on the ear.

Amjad Sabri, 45, was the son of renowned qawwal of the 1960’s, Ghulam Farid Sabri, and the nephew of qawwali icon Maqbool Sabri who passed away in 2011.

Almost whatever the Sabri brothers sang became an instant hit. But some of their most memorable and famous qawwalis were ‘Bhar do jholi meri’, ‘Tajdar-i-haram’ and ‘Mera koi nahin hai teray siwa’.

Sindh Home Minister Suhail Anwar Sial took notice of Sabri s killing and demanded report of the incident from Sindh Inspector General Police (IGP) A.D. Khawaja and Additional IG. Sial also called a high-level meeting over the sad happening.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) west addressed the media and stated that two unidentified gunmen attacked Sabri using a 30 bore pistol. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah dismissed Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) and Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) of the area where the attack took place.

Reaction of politicians

Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif took notice of the incident and demanded report of the incident from Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Qaim Ali Shah.

Former president and Pakistan People s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over the terrible incident.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Ismail, questioned where are the government authorities, Rangers and police. Sabri was such a sweet and friendly person. “His killers should be brought to justice.”

A number of famous Pakistani singers and actors expressed their grief over Amjad Sabri s murder.

Fakhre Alam, Chairman of Sindh Censor Board, has claimed in a tweet that Sabri had earlier submitted an application for security, but the home department did not act on it.

Amjad Sabri had submitted an application for protection as per his family but Home department did NOTHING…Shameful & disgusting

— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) June 22, 2016

Pakistan mourns death of Amjad Sabri

Celebrities, politicians and media personalities took to social media and mourned his death while some talked to media and remembered the qawwal who represented Pakistan across the world.

The scream of gun has silenced the beautiful voice of #AmjadSabri May Allah bless him in Jannat : Admin

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanTPT) June 22, 2016

No words. This is extremely sad, disturbing and unacceptable specially since he had submitted an application for his protection! #AmjadSabri

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) June 22, 2016

I express my deep sense of grief & sorrow over the assassination of Amjad Sabri (Qawwal). #AmjadSabri

— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) June 22, 2016

This is terrible! Renowned Qawwal #AmjadSabri killed in #Karachi.
May his soul rest in peace and be blessed in heavens. Ameen

— Najia Ashar (@najiaashar) June 22, 2016

I am at a loss of words!!!!
Amjad Sabri’s murder.
He has been a close friend for 25 yrs. This is unbelievable!

— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) June 22, 2016