Police see no sectarian, political links in targeted killing

MQM claims its worker, supporters were targeted while religious group sees sectarian connection.

KARACHI: Police officials investigating the targeted killing of two men in Malir Jafar Tayar Society have ruled out the possibility of sectarianism or political rivalry behind the incident.

Asim and Ameer Haider were gunned down and another, Hassan, was wounded in a firing incident in Malir Jafar Tayar Society within the limits of Saudabad police station on Thursday night.

The bodies and injured were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for autopsies and medical treatment.

The victims, all friends, were sitting in a group at Nad-e-Ali Imambargh Chowk when the incident occurred, according to initial investigation. “We were discussing how much money we all collected selling firecrackers on Shab-e-Baraat,” Hassan told the police in his initial statement. “At least two armed men riding a motorcycle came close to us and opened indiscriminate fire,” he added.

Political link

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has claimed that Asim, who used to run a wedding hall in the area, was a party activist while the remaining two were MQM supporters. Haider was an employee at the post office.

Sectarian angle

The Shia Ulema Council (SUC) also condemned the incident and demanded the arrest of the culprits. SUC termed the incident a sectarian attack. “The target killings of Shias have begun once again,” said SUC vice-president Yaqoob Shahbaz.

Personal enmity?

On the other hand, police believe the incident has no links with sectarianism or politics and instead claim the incident occurred over a personal enmity.

“All three [victims] belonged to the Shia community. One of them was an MQM worker and the rest were supporters. Religious parties are giving it a sectarian angle while the political team is trying to link it with them but, as per our initial investigation, it was a different matter as we got some clues regarding it but we cannot share them at this stage,” said DSP Mehmood Hussain.

Investigators have also obtained around eight empty 9mm shells used in the incident and have sent them for a ballistics report.

Police are also waiting for the other two witnesses, who remained unhurt in the attack, to record their statements. A case has yet to be registered.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2016.