KARACHI : In a late-night operation, two armed suspects were shot dead while two others managed to flee during an intense exchange of fire with police in the Ittehad Town area of Shahr-e-Quaid, officials confirmed on Thursday.
According to police officials, the encounter erupted when a police patrol team intercepted a suspicious vehicle in the locality. The suspects opened fire on law enforcement personnel, prompting retaliatory gunfire that resulted in the deaths of two unidentified men at the scene. Their two accomplices exploited the chaos and escaped under the cover of darkness.
Authorities recovered a cache of weapons, multiple mobile phones, various identity cards, and a substantial amount of cash from the possession of the deceased suspects. Initial investigations have revealed that the slain individuals were affiliated with an inter-provincial criminal network, with links extending beyond Sindh.
Police have identified the deceased as Muhammad Idrees, son of Raja Shiraz, and Shahabuddin Ghauri, son of Muhammad Ayub. Both suspects were already wanted in connection with a string of serious offenses, including extortion rackets targeting traders in the Baldia industrial area. Victims had reportedly been receiving threats and demand notes for months.
In a disturbing twist, officials disclosed that the same suspects are believed to have been involved in the brazen snatching of a motorcycle in Ittehad Town last month while disguised in uniforms resembling those of the police—a tactic allegedly used to lure and intimidate victims.
A review of their criminal histories has uncovered extensive records: Muhammad Idrees faces 18 registered cases, while Shahabuddin Ghauri is implicated in 21 cases across various jurisdictions. These charges range from armed robbery and extortion to attempted murder and impersonation of law enforcement personnel.
Police officials have stated that the registration of additional cases against the accused is underway, and a manhunt has been launched for the two fugitive suspects. Forensic teams and investigative units are working to trace their network and uncover further accomplices.
“The elimination of these hardened criminals is a major breakthrough in curbing organized crime in the city,” a senior police officer said. “We are pursuing all leads to ensure the remaining suspects are apprehended swiftly.”
Further investigations are ongoing, with authorities appealing to the public for any information regarding the escaped individuals.
