Police have launched a high-level investigation into the mysterious death of Karachi-based journalist Khawar Hussain Bajwa, associated with a private news channel.

According to officials, Bajwa's body was moved to the Red Crescent Hospital in Latifabad, Hyderabad, where it has been placed in cold storage until his parents arrive from the United States on Monday morning. His funeral will be held in Sanghar, his ancestral hometown.

Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon said that an FIR would be registered under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

He added that a team comprising AIG Counterterrorism Azad Khan, DIG West Irfan Ali Baloch, and Sanghar SSP Abid Baloch will lead the investigation, reviewing all aspects of the case and adjusting charges if fresh evidence emerges.

According to the police, around 8:00 p.m., Bajwa went to a restaurant on Hyderabad Road. Two waiters found the journalist bleeding after an on-duty guard spotted something unusual inside his car. The restaurant staff immediately informed authorities.

A post-mortem examination was carried out at Civil Hospital, Sanghar. SSP Abid Baloch told a private news channel that Bajwa had suffered a single bullet wound from a 9mm pistol, with an exit mark on the left temple. A single empty cartridge was also recovered. 

“We are keeping all options open and not reaching conclusions at this stage,” he said, confirming that he had also spoken to the journalist’s widow.

The restaurant has also provided investigators with CCTV footage. 

According to security staff, Bajwa went to the restroom before returning to his car. He had not placed an order, and the watchman checked on him and found him injured. Waiters later confirmed seeing a pistol in his hand and blood on his temple.

Bajwa’s brother-in-law told police that the journalist had not informed his family about the visit. He had only asked them to continue their annual 21st Safar majlis but did not attend it himself.

His sister later confirmed that Bajwa had celebrated Eid with her, while their parents are currently residing in the US.

Meanwhile, DIG Irfan Baloch and SSP Abid Baloch have been appointed to a three-member fact-finding committee led by AIG Azad Khan. The committee has been directed to submit its report to the IGP within two days.

According to an official, Bajwa was using two phones. An iPhone, restored to factory settings without a SIM card, was recovered, while another device is still missing.