Senior journalist Khushnood Ali Sheikh of the Associated Press of Pakistan was killed in a hit and run accident in Karachi Monday although some circles said he was targeted.

The scene of the incident was Gulistan-e-Johar, where Khushnood purchased a house last year. Reports said just a few weeks after moving in, he received a note congratulating him on the purchase and demanding Rs50,000.

The note was followed by a phone call made to him by unknown men who threatened him of dire consequences if the amount demanded was not paid.

Considering the level of threat, he moved to Islamabad. However, he had returned to Karachi only 10 days ago after staying in the capital for about six months, his colleagues said.

The Karachi Union of Journalists has called for an immediate probe into Khushnood’s death.