U.S. condemns 'senseless murder' of Pak qawwali singer Amjad Sabri

The United States has condemned the murder of popular Pakistani qawwali singer Amjad Sabri who was shot dead, saying that it was a senseless murder and extended their condolences to the singers kin and also to the people of Pakistan.

Addressing the media, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said that Sabri's murder violated the fundamental freedoms of expression, religion and belief.

"I would say we express our sympathies with the people of Pakistan as they mourn the senseless murder of a Qawwali singer, Amjad Sabri. The arts have long been a forum for new ideas for fighting against intolerance. And again, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the people of Pakistan," Kirby said.

Meanwhile, a multitude of fans, supporters and friends attended the funeral prayers of Sabri, who was shot dead in broad daylight in Liaquatabad on Wednesday.

A wave of grief and shock gripped the country when armed motorcyclists sprayed Sabri with bullets in broad daylight in Liaquatabad area when the 45-year-old was heading to a private TV channel to perform in its Ramazan transmission.