Rioting in Malir after political killing

At least seven people were killed late night on the outskirts of the city Tuesday in politically motivated attacks.

The death toll from various incidents of target killing in Karachi has risen to 8, with one more person killed earling morning.

The latest incident of target killing took place in the Purana Golimar area.

Updated from print edition (below)

At least seven people were killed late night on the outskirts of the city Tuesday in what the police said were mostly politically motivated attacks.

The first incident occurred in Malir where a butcher was gunned down at his shop in Shamsi Society in the limits of al Falah police station.

According to the police, the victim was identified as 42-year-old Ashraf Ghani. He was at the shop at the main market of Rafah-i-Aam when two motorcyclists came and picked a fight with him. After an exchange of hot words, they opened fire at him. Ashfraf was shot thrice and died on the spot. The men took off.

The police said the victim was a resident of Punjab Town Malir and an activist of the Punjabi Pukhtoon Ittehad. The police was taken to JPMC for legal formalities and was later handed over his heirs. Riots followed the murder and shops in the are closed down. Traffic disappeared.

People burnt tyres on the roads and aerial firing resonated in the neighbourhood. At least three vehicles and a dozen stalls were set ablaze.

A member of the Bengali Action Committee was killed near Darul Uloom in the jurisdiction of Awami Colony police station.

SHO Zawwar Hussain said the victim, Muhammad Yousuf Bengali, 26, was shot dead in front of the Darul Uloom. He was a resident of Burni Colony Sector 36-A. He used to work at a towel factory in the morning and helped his father with his business in the evening. The officer said he kept “bad company” and one of his friends might be involved in the killing. He was shot six times and died on the spot. The police took his body to Jinnah hospital and later handed it over to his family after completing the medico-legal formalities.

Two Awami National Party workers identified as Amir and Saqib were killed and another identified as Saleem was injuring in a shooting within the limits of Sharae Faisal police station. ANP spokesman Abdul Malik said that the victims were associated with the Pehlwan Goth ward of the party and were targeted while they were sitting outside Rabia City apartments in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. He called it a target killing.

Separately, a man was shot dead within the limits of Orangi Town police station. DSP Majeed Abbas said that the culprits came on a motorcycle and targeted the victim who was identified as Ashraf Haroon while he was sitting near his house. He was not affiliated with any party, the DSP added.

Meanwhile, an unidentified man was gunned down near Jamia Millia within the limits of al Falah police station.

Also, an unidentified body was recovered from Saleh Muhammad Goth within the premises of Shah Latif police station. Police said it was wrapped in a white cloth. Gulshan SHO Junejo said it seems as if the victim was killed somewhere else and the body was thrown in the nullah.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 21^st, 2010.