On August 2, 2025, the main suspect, Imran Afridi, confessed in a video statement to the murder of senior lawyer Advocate Khawaja Shamsul Islam. Afridi claimed that he killed Shamsul Islam to avenge his father, a police constable, whom he alleged was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by the lawyer over a financial dispute involving Rs3.5 million.
In the video, Afridi explained that he and Shamsul Islam used to be friends but had a falling out over financial disputes. He accused the lawyer of falsely involving his family in police cases and expressed his frustration with the justice system, stating that it led him to seek “revenge” on his own. Afridi emphasised that no family members or friends were involved in his actions and requested that they not be harassed.
وکیل شمس الاسلام کے قاتل عمران آفریدی نے اعتراف جرم کر کے قتل کی وجہ بھی بتا دی#ARYNews pic.twitter.com/nHTYI4d2r8
— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) August 2, 2025Earlier released CCTV footage from the mosque in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase 6, where the murder occurred on August 1, 2025, shows Afridi, disguised as a worshipper, seated among prayer rows. As Shamsul Islam descended the staircase with his son after prayers, Afridi stood, retrieved a pistol from his waistcoat, and fired at close range. Both victims collapsed, with Shamsul Islam succumbing to his injuries and his son receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.
The confession and video evidence are crucial to the investigation and have shocked both Karachi’s legal community and the public. Afridi’s assertions about a failing justice system highlight systemic issues, while the targeted killing raises ongoing safety concerns in public spaces. This case may lead to calls for reforms in the judiciary and security measures.
