MQM Sindh provincial assembly candidate killed in Hyderabad

Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for the shooting.

KARACHI: A Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader and candidate for a Sindh provincial assembly seat was shot during a firing incident in Hyderabad on Thursday, Express News reported.

Fakhrul Islam had filed papers to contest elections from Hyderabad PS-47 of the Sindh Assembly.

Islam was shot dead outside his home in Halah market by two unidentified gunmen.

People in the area reported this incident as the second or third target killing in the area.

An Express News reporter stated that Islam had not received any threats via phone or otherwise after his recent appointment as a provincial leader.

Junaid Khanzada, Express News Hyderabad Bureau Chief said this target killing would have subsequent backlash in Hyderabad and interior Sindh. He further added that the police has been ineffective in controlling violence in these areas and this incident was confirmation of the fact.

"Inexperienced police officers were recruited and they are unaware of how crime works in the city," he said.

"Security was only provided to VIPS," he added.

Police authorities and relevant MQM leaders of the Hyderabad Zone were present at the scene of the killing.

In January, MQM leader and MPA Syed Manzar Imam was shot dead by suspected Taliban gunmen in Karachi’s Orangi Town locality, along with two police guards and a driver.

Officials told the Associated Press that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan claimed responsibility for the shooting.