Pakistan Sufi singer Amjad Sabri gunned down in Karachi

One of Pakistan's best known Sufi musicians, Amjad Sabri, has been shot dead in the southern port city of Karachi, triggering an outpouring of grief over what police have described an "act of terror".

Sabri was shot several times on Wednesday while driving in his car in the city's Liaqatabad area, when a motorcycle pulled up alongside the vehicle and the attackers opened fire, Pakistan's English language newspaper Dawn reported.

The 45-year-old singer is survived by wife and five chidlren.

"It was a targeted killing and an act of terrorism," Muqaddas Haider, a senior police officer told journalists, without naming possible suspects.

Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan's prime minister, condemned the singer's killing and ordered an investigation.

His killing was met with shock and condemnation. Neighbours congregated outside the singer's home to offer condolences to his relatives, while TV channels broadcast recordings of his music in tribute.

A splinter faction of the Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the killing, saying Sabri's qawwalis were blasphemous. (AFP, Al Jazeera)

Related articles on Qantara.de:

Pakistan bans Ramadan TV shows for discussing blasphemy

Combating violent extremism: Could Sufi Islam be the cure-all?

Pakistan′s struggle with sectarianism: Enough is enough

Islam in Pakistan: The myth of the Muslim monolith

Taj Dare Haram: Amjad Fareed Sabri performs in the U.S.