Third cop gunned down in two weeks

Traffic Police Sub-Inspector Muhammad Arshad was shot dead by assailants in North Nazimabad

A traffic police sub-inspector was shot dead in North Nazimabad on Sunday evening, raising the toll of cops killed in gun violence in the city to three in a matter of two weeks.

Sharea Noor Jehan police said SI Muhammad Arshad, who was posted at the Nazimabad traffic kiosk, was gunned down by two men riding a motorcycle near Five Star Chowrangi.

Arshad was taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries which, according to a MLO, were three bullet wounds to his chest at close range.

The police said the attackers had used 9mm pistols in the offence and five spent bullet shells were found at the crime scene which have been sent for forensic tests. Officials asserted that efforts were being made to collect footage from any CCTV cameras installed the locality.

IGP AD Khowaja has announced a reward of Rs1 million for information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers. He also sought a report from DIG West Zulfiqar Larik.

In a message, the IGP appealed to the public to assist the police so that the criminals involved in the killing of traffic police officers could be arrested.

In a statement, he said, “Once again an innocent unarmed traffic was martyred at one of the busiest crossings of District Central. If we want peace in the city, we have to work together against terrorists. I, hereby, announce a reward of Rs1 million for any information that can lead to the arrest of these terrorists. Please spread this message to all media channels so that it reaches each and every peace- loving citizen of Karachi.”  Two other policemen were killed in the past few days, Head Constable Yousuf in Korangi and ASI Shahab Haider of the Counter-Terrorism Department in Jamshed Quarters.

In constable Yousuf’s case, the Korangi police had raided a hideout in Burmi Colony and arrested two men Imtiaz and Abdul Maalik and seized two 30-bore pistols.

In ASI Haider’s case, the CTD had on Saturday raided a hideout in Baloch Para, Jamshed Quarters and after an encounter gunned down two men believed to be involved in the policeman’s murder. Raja Umer Khattab, who led the operation, had identified as Sohail alias Shooter and Sarfaraz alias Kala. He said both were habitual criminals who were involved in killings and a number of late nigh robberies on Jehangir Road.

During his service in the CTD, said Khattab, ASI Haider had worked on militant organisations and remained active against them. He was also said to have worked on the militant wing of a political party in Karachi and had arrested several of its members involved in heinous crimes.