K-E meter reader shot four times in broad daylight

A routine round of electricity meter readings turned violent in Mehmoodabad on Tuesday when two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on a K-Electric employee, shooting him four times before fleeing the scene.

The 33-year-old meter reader, Muhammad Shehbaz, was taking readings with his assistant when the suspects approached and asked what they were doing.

Upon being told that they were recording meter readings, the men allegedly opened indiscriminate fire, leaving Shehbaz seriously wounded while his colleague escaped unhurt.

The attack took place near the laboratory of a private hospital in Mehmoodabad No 1, within the jurisdiction of PS Mehmoodabad. The assailants fled without taking anything from the victims, leaving investigators to probe what prompted the shooting.

Shehbaz, son of Zafar Iqbal, was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre after sustaining four bullet wounds to his leg and abdomen.

PS Mehmoodabad SHO Anees Abro said the meter reader and his assistant, Umair, were performing their duties when two unidentified armed men arrived on a motorcycle. The suspects asked them about their activities before opening fire, he added.

The SHO said no robbery had taken place and both employees retained their belongings. He added that there was no electricity in the area at the time of the incident.

Police called in the crime scene unit to collect evidence and recovered four to five spent 30-bore pistol casings from the scene. Investigators are examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras and attempting to trace the suspects' escape route.

Police said the incident was being investigated from all angles.

Meanwhile, K-Electric spokesperson Imran Rana described the firing on the utility's staff while on duty as extremely distressing and strongly condemned the attack.

He said the injured employee was receiving medical treatment and that the company's management remained in contact with his family, offering all possible assistance.

The incident had been reported to law enforcement agencies, while K-Electric was extending full cooperation to establish the motive and other circumstances surrounding the attack, Rana said.

The company reiterated that the safety of its field staff was a priority and called for strong legal action against those responsible.