KARACHI – Including a Pasban leader and an activist of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, eight people were mowed down in a recent wave of targeted attacks in the sprawling metropolis on Sunday, police officials said.

In Pirabad area, a Pasban leader, Yar Mohammad, 60, and his son, 26-year-old Shaheryar, were sitting at their book shop, set up at the ground floor of their house, near Banaras flyover, when a bike-borne duo appeared on the scene and opened fire on them. They both died on the spot. Their neighbourer, Bakht Rahman, who was present there, also got killed. The bodies were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for autopsy. DSP Zahid Hussain said the Pasban leader and his son were the target of the armed riders unidentified so far. The official added that Yar Mohammad was earlier associated with the Shabab-e-Milli and also served as a union councillor for the Jamaat-e-Islami.
The incident disturbed commercial activities partially as extra contingent of law enforcers were deployed in the area to avoid any further unwanted happening.
In Orangi Town, two unidentified attackers, riding a motorbike, shot dead a worker of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, formerly known as Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan. Identified as Saqib Jamil, 32, the victim was attacked near Dabba Mor while he was heading somewhere along with his spouse on his motorcycle. DSP Zahid Hussain said Jamil’s spouse was not hit by a bullet but got wounded when the bike skidded.
A merchandiser, Farhan Saleem, 33, was gunned down near Nagan Chowrangi within the remit of the Taimuria Police Station.
His family said he received a phone call and left the house but did not return. Later they heard he had been killed, Saleem’s family told the police. The motive behind the killing could not be ascertained until the filing of this report.
A cobbler was shot dead in Mehran Town in a targeted attack. Police officials said Wazir Zada was sitting at his shop, when two unidentified armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on him and fled. The officials suspected that the cobbler might have been killed over personal enmity. Investigation is under way.
Separately, a watchman of a poultry farm was shot dead in Memon Goth area. The victim was identified as Javed Hamza, 30. Police officials suspected that he might have been killed by members of a land mafia. They however added that nothing could be established until completion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, an alleged criminal, Naveed Khan, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Sharafi Goth area. Police officials said unidentified culprits shot and killed him, adding that the victim was found involved in a number of criminal cases. They suspected that his associates might have killed him.