Pre-poll killing: MWM local bodies’ candidates shot dead

Group’s spokesman says the deceased were receiving threats to withdraw from elections.

KARACHI: Two would-be contestants in the upcoming local bodies’ elections and a taxi driver were shot dead on Sunday evening in the Dalmia area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

The poll aspirants were riding in the taxi at the time of the attack. A female candidate who was accompanying the two men remained unhurt.



The two male candidates -- Safdar Abbas and Mohammad Alim Hazara -- were affiliated with the Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen. The taxi driver was identified as Syed Ali Shah, while the female passenger was identified only as Sakina.

“They were candidates of MWM from Union Council No.32 of Mughal Hazara Goth in Gulistan-e-Jauhar,” MWM spokesperson told The Express Tribune. “Armed motorcyclists targeted them when they were returning after submitting their nominations for the upcoming local bodies’ elections.” The spokesperson said that they were receiving threats from a political party to withdraw from the elections.

The bodies were taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for autopsy where workers and supporters of MWM reached and shouted slogans against the incident. The incident caused panic in various areas of the city including Ancholi Society, Mughal Hazara Goth, Jafer Tayar Society in Malir and Rizvia Society where routine and commercial activities were partially suspended after unidentified armed men resorted to aerial firing. Extra contingent of Rangers and police were deployed at the affected areas to avoid any confrontation.

DSP Nasir Lodhi said at least four armed men on two motorcycles were behind the incident, adding that a female candidate, Sakina who was also along with the victims on a taxi remained unhurt in the attack. No case has been registered.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2013.