Karachi's Lyari on edge as Uzair Baloch's brother shot in suspected gang attack

Zubair Baloch was shot outside his Lyari residence and taken to hospital in critical condition. Police are probing gang rivalry, personal enmity and reports of renewed gang movement in the area.

In Short

• Zubair Baloch was critically injured after gunmen opened fire outside his Lyari
• Zubair underwent surgery for multiple bullet wounds to chest and abdomen
• Police said investigators were examining personal enmity alongside possible gang rivalry

Zubair Baloch, the brother of notorious Karachi gang leader Uzair Baloch was critically injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire in the city's Lyari area on Thursday evening, triggering fresh concerns over a possible resurgence of the area's long-running gang rivalry.

According to Geo News, the shooting took place on Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari, a locality that has witnessed years of violent clashes between rival criminal groups.

At least three people were injured in the attack.

Deputy Inspector General (South) said one of the injured was believed to be Zubair Baloch, the brother of Uzair Baloch, the former chief of the banned Peoples' Aman Committee (PAC). Police said efforts were underway to formally verify his identity.

All three injured persons were rushed to Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment.

Authorities said Zubair Baloch was in critical condition, while the condition of the other two injured persons has not been officially disclosed.

Police officials said statements of the injured were being recorded as part of the investigation to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the attack.

So far, investigators have not identified the assailants or established a motive behind the shooting. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident has nevertheless sparked speculation that the long-dormant gang rivalry in Lyari could be resurfacing.

Once considered one of Karachi's most volatile neighbourhoods, Lyari witnessed years of armed clashes involving rival gangs before extensive law enforcement operations significantly curbed organised criminal activity in the area.

POLICE INCREASES SECURITY IN THE AREA

Uzair Baloch, one of Pakistan's most notorious gang leaders, headed the outlawed Peoples' Aman Committee, which was once accused of running an extensive criminal network in Lyari.

The organisation has long been linked to violent turf wars, extortion, targeted killings and other organised crimes in Karachi.

Following Thursday's shooting, police increased security in the area and launched an investigation to trace those behind the attack. Officials said forensic and other evidence was being collected from the crime scene, while further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as police continue their probe into the incident, which has once again drawn attention to the fragile security situation in parts of Karachi's Lyari district.

- Ends