Rs5 million reward proposed for information on DSP Ali Raza's killers

Suspects might have been seen by witnesses with uncovered faces before concealing themselves moments prior to murder

KARACHI:

A reward of Rs5 million has been proposed for information leading to the arrest of the killers of Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) DSP Ali Raza, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants in July near Kareemabad, Karachi.

According to details, Additional IG CTD, Imran Yaqoob Mehmood, has written to the Inspector General (IG) of Sindh, recommending the reward for anyone providing information on the killers of the martyred officer.

In the letter, it was revealed that the attackers had roamed the streets for nearly two hours, waiting for DSP Raza’s vehicle to leave Shakeel Corporation, where he was stationed. The letter suggested that the suspects might have been seen by witnesses with uncovered faces before concealing themselves moments prior to the murder.

"The financial reward can play a key role in leading to the arrest of the killers," the letter stated.

DSP Ali Raza’s role in Lyari operation

DSP Ali Raza, who played a significant role in the Lyari Operation of 2012, was shot dead when he stepped out of his bulletproof jeep near Shakeel Corporation. His private gunman also lost his life in the attack. The assailants managed to flee the scene immediately after the shooting.

Raza had previously arrested key operatives from banned organisations during his service. He was known for his close association with the late SSP Chaudhry Aslam, who led numerous high-profile operations against militants and criminals.

Following the attack, DSP Raza and his gunman were rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors confirmed their deaths. Medical reports confirmed that Raza had been shot at close range in the head and back.

DIG West Irfan Baloch and other senior officers arrived at the hospital soon after news of the killing spread, with many of Raza's colleagues and friends visibly shaken. The killing sparked widespread condemnation from senior officials and the public.

CTD DIG Asif Ijaz Sheikh, speaking at the crime scene, revealed that 11 bullet casings from a 9mm pistol were recovered. Sheikh confirmed that two suspects had followed DSP Raza from his home and had waited for the right moment to attack, avoiding shooting at the bulletproof jeep.

"The suspects will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to justice," Sheikh added.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah strongly condemned the attack and directed the police to submit a report on the investigation. "The killers must be arrested without delay," he said in a statement.

Raza, a resident of Federal B Area, had previously been dismissed from his job five years ago for undisclosed reasons but was later reinstated and appointed to the CTD Investigation Guard. His funeral was held at Incholi Imambargah.

The investigation into DSP Raza’s murder is ongoing, and authorities are hopeful that the reward will encourage witnesses to come forward with critical information.