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Armed Attack on Pakistan Peoples Party Candidate’s Corner Meeting Leaves Three Injured

KARACHI: Three individuals wounded in a targeted shooting at a corner meeting of a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate in the Quaidabad area

On Friday evening, a corner meeting organized by Agha Rafiullah, a candidate from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) contesting elections for a National Assembly seat (NA-230) in Karachi, was targeted in an armed attack. The incident took place in the Gulshan-i-Buner area, resulting in injuries to three individuals. The police and party officials confirmed the incident.

Details of the Incident

According to a statement by Malir SSP Tariq Mastoi, unidentified assailants opened fire at the corner meeting, causing two individuals to sustain gunshot wounds. However, Police Surgeon Summaiya Syed reported that three injured individuals were brought to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

Agha Rafiullah, who remained unharmed in the attack, stated that the incident began with the throwing of rocks at the meeting attendees, followed by gunshots. Out of the four individuals hurt during the attack, two sustained bullet wounds. Rafiullah highlighted that the Gulshan-i-Buner area has been considered sensitive due to the alleged presence of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, he believed that the motive behind the attack was to disrupt his election-related activities.

Investigation and Victims’ Identification

SSP Tariq Mastoi assured that an investigation into the incident is underway to identify and apprehend the attackers. Meanwhile, Police Surgeon Summaiya Syed provided details about the wounded victims. The injured included a 12-year-old boy named Sheeraz, who suffered a bullet wound in the abdomen. Additionally, his father, Amir Rasool, aged 50, was hit by a bullet in the hand. Another victim, Ishaq Zahid, aged 20, also sustained a bullet wound in the hand.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by political candidates in ensuring their safety during election campaigns. The PPP candidate, Agha Rafiullah, remains determined to continue his election-related activities despite the attack.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2024.