Khawaja Shams ul Islam
Khawaja Shams ul Islam, a senior lawyer with over 30 years of experience, was fatally shot outside a mosque in Karachi’s Defence Phase 6 on the afternoon of August 1, 2025. The incident occurred as he and his son were attending funeral prayers for a local businessman near Khayaban-e-Rahat. According to police, unidentified assailants ambushed them at the mosque’s entrance and opened fire at close range. Islam sustained three bullet wounds and died on the way to the hospital. His son Danial was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment.
A Targeted Attack with Prior Warning Signs
This dramatic shooting marks the second recorded attack on Islam. In November 2024, he survived a brutal assault by a group of armed men in Clifton after evening prayers—beaten with rods and shot, sustaining injuries to his hand and ear. The police attributed that incident to a possible personal dispute, though thorough investigations were never publicly confirmed.
Islam had built his reputation handling high-profile criminal and civil cases, including major land disputes. Members of the Karachi legal community have expressed shock and concern, pointing to a pattern that raises unsettling questions about security for lawyers handling sensitive matters.
Police Response: Investigation in Motion
Following the shooting, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjhar summoned the SSP South, ordering immediate updates and round‑the‑clock progress reports. Crime scene investigators recovered two bullet casings from the mosque area, now submitted for forensic analysis. Authorities confirmed that the suspect had entered the mosque dressed in traditional shalwar kameez with a face covering, blending in with attendees before striking.
The Karachi Bar Association has condemned the attack and announced a strike in protest, demanding swift arrests and heightened protection for members of the legal fraternity. Their statement underlined repeated warnings about Islam’s security that officials did not escalate adequately.
Legacy and Implications for Legal Community
Khawaja Shams ul Islam’s murder has sent shockwaves through Karachi’s legal circles. His career included numerous landmark cases, and colleagues note that only recently he had cautioned bar members about escalating threats he was facing. Observers expect political and civil society pressure to force improved security protocols for lawyers, especially those involved in contentious legal battles.
Final Thoughts
The targeted killing of a veteran advocate—alongside injuring his son—is a grim reminder of how vulnerable legal professionals remain in Karachi. As forensic analysis progresses and the investigation continues, the legal community is united in calling for justice, accountability, and protection for those who serve the rule of law.