Islamabad, March 18 (IANS): Gunmen in Pakistan shot dead a lawyer for Shakil Afridi, who had allegedly helped the US in locating Osama bin Laden, police said.

The attackers on Tuesday fired at the car of Samiullah Afridi near Peshawar city when he was heading home, a police officer said, Dwan online reported.

The Taliban splinter group, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, claimed responsibility.

Family of the killed lawyer said he had been receiving threats since he had started defence of Shakil Afridi. He went abroad in 2013 in the wake of dangers to his life and returned to the country three months ago.

The authorities put a 33-year jail sentence on Shakil Afridi in 2012 for his alleged financial support to a banned militant group.

Reports suggested that the wife and children of Shakil Afridi had also said they were receiving threats and wanted to leave the country.

The US has been asking for Afridi's release. However, Pakistan has turned down the request. Afridi has also filed an appeal against his conviction.