Husnain Shah’s killing: Capital TV journalists from financial hardship to death by lawlessness

LAHORE: The journalists of Capital TV hit by financial hardship have now been facing death by lawlessness as a crime reporter had been killed in front of Lahore Press Club on Monday.

A crime reporter of Capital TV, Husnain Shah, had been killed by unidentified assailants outside Lahore Press Club in an armed attack on his car on Monday. The funeral prayer of slain Husnain Shah was offered in front of Lahore Press Club today.

The journalists and media workers of Capital TV were already facing severe financial troubles due to the non-payment of salaries and dues.

It may be noted here that employees were not being paid salaries up to 4 to 5 months by the Capital TV management while those workers who insisted to get their dues were forced to receive 50 per cent of their total dues.

Why Capital TV Owner Was Booked & Released by NAB?

Three employees of Capital TV told News360 that the delayed payment of salaries was continued for many years, whereas, the media workers were being threatened to be fired if they push the management besides offering to receive 50 per cent of dues for leaving their jobs.

The recent incident of Husnain Shah’s killing has doubled the fear of the workers for becoming the victim of lawlessness which would further increase the troubles of their families.

Capital TV is owned by Riaz Ahmed Sheikh, who is also a former Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officer.

Employees of Capital TV Yearn For Outstanding Salaries

Senior journalist Murtaza Solangi, who stayed associated with Capital TV, had brought the matter up for consideration earlier in June last year. Many reporters had confirmed that the channel owes them salaries of 11 months.

Although some progress was made on the issue during the tenure of ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar who ordered to shut down media channels unable to pay salaries to employees, the issue still exists with no permanent solution.