A man was killed and another injured in an apparent targeted attack near Samama Mor on University Road, Karachi, on Thursday, as violence continues to surge across the city.
According to police, the incident occurred when two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire on a Bikea rider and his passenger.
The passenger, who sustained two gunshot wounds, died on the spot, while the rider was injured after being hit by a single bullet. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Police said that the incident bears the hallmarks of targeted killing, a trend that has seen a sharp uptick in recent weeks.
Just days earlier, on Saturday, at least four people were killed in six separate shooting incidents across Karachi in a span of just three hours — highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in the city.
In Orangi Town, a dramatic confrontation unfolded at an LPG shop under Iqbal Market police jurisdiction. A shopkeeper, resisting a robbery attempt, managed to snatch a weapon from one of the assailants and shot him dead. The deceased was later identified as Rahim, a known criminal with a record of multiple murder and robbery cases. His accomplice managed to escape.
In another suspected targeted killing, a motorcyclist was gunned down in Landhi’s Sherpao Colony. Police say two unidentified gunmen chased the victim and fatally shot him in the head. Investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, in Bakra Piri, Malir, police claimed to have killed an alleged extortionist in an encounter. The accused, Ghulam Qadir, was reportedly associated with the Samad Kathiwari gang and had previously attacked a builder’s shop. Authorities recovered weapons and mobile phones used in the extortion racket.
Karachi police say they are ramping up efforts to curb targeted killings and gang-related violence, but residents remain on edge as the spate of shootings shows no sign of slowing.
