Former army commando shot dead in DHA

A retired army commando was shot and killed in a suspected mugging attempt in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area of Karachi on Wednesday. Police said the incident was likely a robbery attempt but they were also looking into other possibilities.

The incident occurred on the 26th Street in DHA within the Clifton police’s jurisdiction. Preliminary findings indicate that the victim, who was identified as 45-year-old Saeed, son of Allah Buksh, had just withdrawn cash from a bank and stopped nearby for a cigarette when unidentified individuals approached and attempted to rob him. As he offered resistance, the robbers opened fire and fled, leaving him fatally injured. Police and emergency services arrived at the scene and transported Saeed to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to a spokesperson for the Karachi police, the man was killed while resisting a robbery near a biryani shop in DHA Phase V. A card found in his pocket indicated that he was a former member of the Special Services Group (SSG) of the Pakistan Army. Clifton SHO Azam Rajper also confirmed that the deceased man was a former army commando who, after retirement, was working as a security guard. He also explained that the deceased was accompanied by a colleague at the time of the incident who remained unharmed. The SHO was, however, removed from the post in the late night hours after the higher authorities took notice of the incident.

Police acquired CCTV footage showing four suspects on two motorcycles involved in the crime. Providing additional details, South SSP Sajid Saduzai stated that the victim was carrying Rs500,000 and a pistol when he was attacked by motorcyclists on Tauheed Commercial's 26th Street.

Although police say the attackers were likely robbers, they did not take the cash or the weapon. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar sought a report on the incident from the South SSP and also called for the crime-fighting performance record of the relevant SHO.