Unidentified men break into federal minster’s house, torture him

Initial investigation suggests the incident was a robbery attempt, say police

KARACHI: Unidentified men entered on Monday night the house of former Sindh chief minister and incumbent Federal Anti-Narcotics Minister, Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), took the servants hostage and tortured the minster and fled.

The police said that the initial investigation suggests that the incident was a robbery attempt, however, further investigations are underway.

The incident took place around 11:30pm on Khayaban-e-Jabal in Phase IV, Defence Housing Authority (DHA). Unidentified men entered the house, took the servants hostage and then entered the minister's room where they tortured him before fleeing the house.

When the police learned of the incident, Gizri SHO along with a police party reached the scene where they found the injured minister. They immediately shifted Sardar to a private hospital in Clifton.

South SSP Pir Muhammad Shah, several police officers and PTI leaders also reached the minister's residence and later visited the hospital. Shah said that according to the federal minster's initial statement, there were more than 10 suspects. He said that the suspects injured Sardar during a fight inside the house. He added that it seemed like a robbery bid, but further investigation was being conducted.

While talking to the media, PTI MPA Khurram Sher Zaman held the Sindh government responsible for the incident. He said that the provincial government was incompetent and failed to provide security to the lives and property of the public. "How can a common man be safe when a federal minister is not safe in the city?" He added that his family members have also been robbed by dacoits twice or thrice in Karachi.

Sardar's friend and lawyer, Javed Meer, said that around six to seven people entered the house. He said that medical assistance was being provided to the minister and once his condition stabilises, he will speak to the media.

Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leader and member of the provincial assembly, Shaharyar Mahar, also reached the hospital to inquire about the minister's health. He said, "Ali Muhammad Mahar is a man of simple traits and does not like to have security".

Clifton SP Suhai Aziz said that around 12 suspects entered the minister's residence and inquired about the servants, Yaseen and Murad. They also inquired about a briefcase. The suspects took a mobile phone and briefcase with them, she added.

A doctor at the hospital has said that Sardar received a head injury. The investigation officers will record his statement today (Wednesday).

The police are investigating the incident from different angles. Footages obtained from CCTV cameras installed near the residence are also being reviewed.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2019.