Met's £20,000 reward to catch killers of Pakistani politician

Detectives investigating the murder of a senior Pakistani politician in London are offering a £20,000 reward to catch his killers.

Dr Imran Farooq, 50, was stabbed and battered as he arrived home in Edgware after work on September 16 last year. Police, who will not say whether they believe the motive was political, think the murder involved careful planning and several people.

However, only one man, a 34-year-old, has been arrested and he was bailed pending further inquiries.

Dr Farooq, a father of two, lived in exile in London with his family, having fled his homeland 11 years ago after death threats. His murder sparked violence in Karachi, where cars and shops were set alight.

Officers believe people who helped the killers may have been unsuspecting. The Met's Counter Terrorism Command wants to hear from anyone who was approached for information about Dr Farooq and his routine, or who was asked to help buy items such as knives or mobile phones around the time of his murder.

Witnesses reported seeing a dark-coloured moped or scooter, and a silver people carrier with green minicab stickers in its windows, in the Green Lane area before the killing, and driving away afterwards.

Up to four Asian men, in vehicles and on foot, may have been keeping watch on Dr Farooq's home in the days before his murder.

One theory is that the killing was connected to Mr Farooq's membership of the Muttahida Quami Movement, one of Pakistan's major political parties.

Anyone with information should call 020 8721 3784 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.