Havoc on Tariq Road as raid goes awry

Shopkeepers allegedly selling smuggled cloth resist Customs officials, burn tyres, fire gunshots

KARACHI:

A late-night customs raid at a shopping mall on Tariq Road turned violent when shopkeepers attacked officials during an operation to seize smuggled fabric. The situation quickly escalated as protesters hurled stones and opened fire on customs personnel, prompting retaliatory gunfire. The area plunged into chaos, resembling a battleground, while two people sustained bullet injuries.

According to police, the raid was conducted at Mimar Plaza Shopping Centre on Sir Syed Road, adjacent to Tariq Road, to recover a large consignment of smuggled cloth. Customs teams, backed by heavy contingents of police and Rangers, cordoned off the area, restricting media and public access to the site.

Officials said the confrontation began when shopkeepers tried to prevent customs personnel from entering the mall. As they were stopped, the crowd turned violent, pelting stones and firing shots. Law enforcement personnel responded with aerial firing to disperse the mob. The crossfire spread panic among nearby residents, while enraged shopkeepers blocked Liberty Chowk by burning tyres and set a Shahzor truck ablaze.

Rescue sources said two men - 21-year-old Share Masih, son of Patras Masih, and 36-year-old Sameer, son of Dost Mohammad - were injured in the crossfire and shifted to Jinnah Hospital by Chhipa ambulances.

Police said customs officials later seized a large quantity of smuggled fabric, loading it onto trucks. They told traders that anyone with valid customs receipts could visit the office to reclaim their goods, while those without documentation would be required to pay duties before collection.