ISLAMABAD: In a tragic incident early Sunday morning near Sohrab Goth, Karachi, armed assailants shot dead Constable Shaharyar Ali in what police have described as a targeted killing.
The 28-year-old policeman was shot while riding his motorbike at around 3:05 am on Shahrah-i-Pakistan near Kashti Chowk, under the jurisdiction of Yousuf Plaza police station.
Constable Shaharyar was rushed to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Police confirmed the victim was not in uniform and was posted at the Anti-Vehicles Lifting Cell (AVLC). Investigators retrieved CCTV footage showing the assailants on a motorcycle stopping the constable, shooting him, and fleeing without stealing any valuables.
Investigation and Security Concerns
Central SSP Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqi said the murder appears to be a targeted attack rather than a robbery, as the attackers left behind the constable’s pistol, phone, cash, and bike.
Police have yet to determine the exact motive but are continuing their investigation.
This killing marks the second targeted attack on a policeman in Karachi within just five days. On May 27, traffic constable Zain Ali Raza was shot dead near Boat Basin police station.
Authorities registered a terrorism case in that attack, and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) took over the investigation amid fears of sleeper cell activity from banned militant outfits.
No Breakthrough Yet in Ongoing Investigations
CTD DIG Asif Ejaz Sheikh told Dawn that investigations are ongoing but that it’s too early to conclude the motive behind the recent murder.
While a little-known group claimed responsibility for the May 27 attack on Telegram, investigators have found no concrete evidence linking any militant faction directly to the killings. Sheikh noted that major banned groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Balochistan Liberation Army typically claim attacks via their official social media channels.
Police continue to pursue multiple leads as public concern grows over the safety of law enforcement personnel.
