Man accuses police of critically injuring son in fake encounter

The father of a man injured in an alleged shootout with police on the night between Friday and Saturday on Banaras Bridge has claimed that the "encounter was staged."

According to Shamsul Haq, his son, identified as Izhar, was returning home from his job at a superstore in Orangi Town when a Pirabad police party opened fire on him near Banaras Bridge, resulting in serious injuries to him.

Izhar, who was shot four times in different parts of the body, including head, is currently in a critical condition at the JPMC. Izhar, a father of two small children, is the sole provider for the family, Haq said.

The injured youth's aunt appealed to the provincial high-ups for justice, saying that her nephew has no criminal record.

On the contrary, police claim that Izhar, along with his two accomplices, was looting citizens. They were on the same motorcycle and tried to escape while fleeing when confronted by police.

Police further claim that Izhar and one his accomplices Aryan were arrested in injured condition after the shootout, while their third accomplice managed to flee. A weapon was recovered from Izhar.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2024.