MPA Aslam Abro’s brother, nephew killed in ambush

Sindh MPA Muhammad Aslam Abro's brother and nephew were killed on Wednesday after motorcyclists opened fire on their vehicle in Defense Phase VII near Ayesha Mosque, leaving two others seriously injured.

SSP South Asad Raza confirmed that Aslam Abro's brother Shahryar Abro and nephew Akram Abro had died in the attack while the injured persons were identified as Abdullah Abro and Arshad Pahoor.

"There were five persons on board the vehicle and they were coming from their house on Khayaban-e-Shamsheer when they were chased and targetted," the police officer said.

Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho told reporters that the attack was "not an incident of terrorism" but whether it was a case of "animosity or something else" was not yet known.

However, he added that the matter was still under investigation and further details were expected to emerge only later.

"But the victims were definitely targetted," he said, "the accused carried out the attack at a place where security cameras were not installed."

While speaking to the media at the crime scene, SP Investigation South Abraiz Ali Abbasi revealed that "large weapons and 9mm shells" have also been recovered. "a .222 rifle and a 9mm pistol were used in the attack".

"The attackers were travelling on more than one motorcycle," he said adding that more information will be available after the investigation.

PPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack and said that the brutal murder of Akram Abro and Shehryar Abro is an "act of terrorism".

"The killers will soon be brought to justice," he added.

MPA Aslam Abaro, while talking to the media at the hospital said they had no enmity with anyone. He said that the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident and was in touch with him. MPA Ejaz Jakhrani, Manzoor Wasan and other ministers also reached the hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2023.