Two killed, nine injured in firing at religious party rally in Karachi

KARACHI: Unidentified gunmen opened fire on an Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) rally, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to nine others. The incident has intensified tensions in the area, prompting a large-scale police response to restore order.

In a video statement from Karachi Civil Hospital, Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat leader Allama Taj Hanafi stated that their peaceful procession was directly fired upon near Lasbela, resulting in the death of two workers and the injury of nine others.

Meanwhile, the two deceased have been identified as Umair Sultan and Junaid Mehdi. After the incident, angry individuals set several vehicles on fire in Golimar, creating an atmosphere of fear on the roads from Golimar to Guru Mandir, Patel Para, and the surrounding areas.

During the tension between two religious groups in Golimar, several vehicles were set on fire, including a coach, three motorcycles, a rickshaw, a Shehzore truck, and a high-roof vehicle.

As a result of the firing and violence, several people were injured, and angry individuals also attacked the fire brigade vehicle that arrived to extinguish the fire, causing damage to the vehicle.

Following the incident, SSP Central arrived at the scene, and a large contingent of police is present at the location. Additional police forces have been called in to control the situation.

DIG West Irfan Baloch stated that a clash occurred between two groups when a Sipah-e-Sahaba rally was passing by an Imambargah. The clash took place between Ahle Sunnat and Shia groups. A large police contingent has arrived at the scene, and the police are controlling the situation.

DIG West Irfan Baloch, speaking to the media, said that the rally was attacked with stones, followed by firing, resulting in the death of two individuals. Some vehicles were also set on fire. He added that a sudden altercation led to the clash between the two groups.

Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho stated that the tense situation has been brought under control, and SSP Central is present at the spot. Action will be taken against those involved in the firing, and a large contingent of Rangers is also arriving.

Provincial Interior Minister Zia Lanjhar has contacted IG Sindh and Additional IG, requesting a report on the Golimar incident. The Interior Minister of Sindh instructed the police to take immediate steps to control law and order.

Zia Lanjhar ordered the immediate arrest of those involved in arson and firing, stating that anyone involved in the incident should be arrested immediately.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also took notice of the firing on the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat rally in Golimar, condemning and expressing sorrow over the loss of lives.

The Sindh Chief Minister instructed the immediate arrest of those who fired upon the rally, stating that no one will be allowed to disrupt the peace in the city.