Political activist shot dead

KARACHI:

A 27-year-old man, Muhammad Nauman Riyaz alias Babu Bhai, was fatally shot by armed motorcyclists near Dubai House in Gulistan-e-Johar Block-9. The incident occurred when the victim, an activist of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, resisted a robbery attempt. The body was transported to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for further action.

Speaking to the media at JPMC, SP Gulshan-e-Iqbal Aleem Balu stated that Nauman was riding a motorcycle with his friend Ahmed  when the accused, also on a motorcycle, attempted to stop them and opened fire when they didn't halt. Meanwhile, officers from Gulistan-e-Johar police station, who were on patrol, rushed to the scene after hearing the gunshots, but the assailants managed to flee. Though the incident appears to be a case of resistance during a robbery, facts will come out after the investigation, he SP Balu said.

Muhammad Riyaz, the grieving father of the deceased, Nauman, shared that his son worked as an electrician and had recently passed the physical test for police recruitment on June 22. "He was overjoyed and had high hopes of being recruited into the police force based on his merit."

ASI Asim Siddiqui, Head Muharrar of Gulistan-e-Johar Police Station replying to a query by The Express Tribune said that Nauman's friend Ahmed was riding with him when the incident occurred. Siddiqui said he was taking Ahmed to the precinct to record his statement. However, when the car stopped at a red light, Ahmed jumped out and fled. His escape has raised suspicions, suggesting there may be more to the incident.