One of Pakistan’s most iconic singers, Amjad Sabri, has been killed in a targeted shooting in the southern city of Karachi.
The Qawwali star was shot five times by gunmen as he travelled through the congested Liaqatabad area, police have confirmed. He died on his way to hospital.
It is not yet known who is behind the killing.
“It was a targeted killing and an act of terrorism,” said senior police officer Muqaddas Haider, AFP news agency reports.
Sabri was one of the principal advocates of Sufi devotional music and has millions of followers in Pakistan, as well as many more around the world.
In recent years, followers of Sufism have come under attack from Sunni extremists in Pakistan, with members of the country’s Taliban often being blamed.
Despite Karachi being under military protection for the past three years, incidents such as the Sabri shooting continue to occur.
On Twitter, Qawwali fans and music stars paid tribute to the famous musician.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan wrote: “Sad loss of #amjadsabri totally speechless. May his soul Rest In peace.”
“A national treasure lost today. The voice that cannot be silenced. Your msg of love and tolerance is heard louder than gunshots #AmjadSabri,” added Hasnain Mirza.
