One of Pakistan’s most well-known musicians Amjad Sabri has been killed in a gun attack in Karachi.
Sabri, a leading musician in Qawwali music – was gunned down as his car drove through the south of Pakistan. The 46-year old was hit by five bullets in the attack; before he passed away on the way to hospital after the incident. Another passenger from the car remains in a critical condition.
The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, telling the BBC that its Pakistani arm was behind Sabri’s death. Qawwali is a religiously-minded form of music practiced by Sufi Muslims, and the Taliban believe Sufism to be a heretical belief system as it conflicts with their own beliefs.
Sabri was known for the often-controversial lyrics in his songs, and his death comes just a year after he was charged with blasphemy for mentioning the Prophet Mohamed in one of his songs.
Tributes have flown in since Sabri’s death, with the speaker of Pakistan’s parliament Ayaz Sadiq writing “Totally shocked to hear the news of #AmjadSabri. May Allah bless him with Jannah for he praised Him & His Prophet beautifully all his life.”
Totally shocked to hear the news of #AmjadSabri. May Allah bless him with Jannah for he praised Him & His Prophet beautifully all his life.
— Sardar Ayaz Sadiq (@AyazSadiq122) June 22, 2016
Bollywood actor Ali Zafar has also spoken out, proclaiming his sadness; “No words. This is extremely sad, disturbing and unacceptable specially since he had submitted an application for his protection!”
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
