Lead

Zubair Baloch, brother of imprisoned Uzair Baloch, chief of the defunct People’s Amn Committee, was shot and critically wounded in Karachi’s Lyari area on Thursday evening, according to police. The attack occurred on main Chakiwara Road, and two passersby were also injured, all of whom were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi.

Coverage Comparison

The only news organisation whose coverage of this story has been reviewed is Dawn, which reported the incident with a neutral and objective tone. Dawn’s report included direct quotes from police officials and an anonymous social activist, and it did not use any loaded or sensationalist language. The focus was on the factual details of the shooting, the police response, and the broader context of the Baloch family’s history with law enforcement.

Key Claims

  • Shooting and injuries: Zubair Baloch, 40, was shot and critically wounded when armed suspects on a motorcycle opened fire on him while he was sitting outside his residence in Singu Lane. He sustained multiple injuries, including to his chest and abdomen, and was undergoing surgery at the time of reporting. One of the injured passersby was also in serious condition.
  • Police investigation: South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that police are investigating the incident from different angles, including gang rivalry and personal enmity. The attackers covered their faces and fled when a nearby shopkeeper returned fire.
  • Background: DIG Raza noted that Zubair had been arrested in seven criminal cases in 2012 and was released in January 2025. An unnamed social activist from the area told Dawn that Zubair had joined a “political party” a few months ago and had raised its flags in his area.
  • Wider context: The activist also mentioned rumours in Lyari that some gangsters who had fled to Dubai and Iran after the Karachi operation had returned following the US-Iran war. Residents are reportedly fearful of a possible resurgence of the past gang war in the area.

Perspectives

Police

DIG Syed Asad Raza provided details on the shooting and the investigation, emphasising that police are considering multiple motives, including gang rivalry and personal enmity.

Residents and activists

An unnamed social activist from Lyari highlighted Zubair’s recent political involvement and conveyed residents’ fears about the possible return of exiled gangsters and a resurgence of gang violence, based on local rumours.

Reporting contributed by Dawn.