Minor boy killed as land grabbers attempt to scare police off in Scheme 45

A minor boy died and another was injured during a confrontation between police and protesters during an operation against land grabbers in Scheme 45 on Thursday.

The area of Scheme 45 remained tense after the government institutions once again conducted the operation against the land mafia.

Two children were severely injured in another episode of intense gunfire in the area. Both children were transported to hospital where one of them succumbed to his injuries. Once again, stones were thrown at government officials and machinery by the occupiers, leading to clashes with the police.

The anti-encroachment operation was launched in different sectors of Scheme 45 by the Malir Development Authority.

During the crackdown, the protesters pelted the operation team, including police and Rangers, with stones. The law enforcers, however, used teargas to disperse agitated protesters.

The operation was conducted in different residential and commercial sectors, including residential sectors 11, 18, and 23 and commercial sectors 19 and 24. Police, Rangers, MDA, Anti-Encroachment Police, and Special Security Unit were part of the operation.

According to District West SSP Mahzoor Ali, the situation was brought under control in the area, and illegal structures on the MDA’s land were demolished.

As soon as the operation began, shots were fired at the police by agitated protesters. Four police armored vehicles were present on the front line, ensuring the safety of all officers. Police said that in response, the police only used shelling, and possibly one of the agitated protesters also fired at children. After intense chaos, the operation was halted.

The injured children aged between nine and ten years were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where the nine-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries. The identities of the deceased and injured children are yet to be ascertained.