Two suspected street criminals were killed in a police encounter in the New Karachi Industrial Area on Thursday night, officials said.
The exchange of fire took place around 10:30 pm near the SITE Super Highway in the industrial zone, according to a statement issued by the Sindh Police. No police personnel were injured in the incident, the statement added.
- Location: New Karachi Industrial Area, near SITE Super Highway
- Time: Around 10:30 pm on Thursday
- Casualties: Two suspects killed, no police injuries reported
- Status: Encounter under investigation by the Sindh Police Counter Terrorism Department (CTD)
What happened during the encounter?
Police said they were conducting a routine raid in the area when two suspects opened fire on the officers. The officers returned fire, resulting in the deaths of the suspects. The CTD has taken over the investigation, and forensic teams are at the scene collecting evidence.
Residents in the vicinity reported heavy gunfire lasting several minutes. Some locals told Naya Pakistan that they heard multiple shots before the area was cordoned off by police.
- Area cordoned off: New Karachi Industrial Area, including nearby factories and warehouses
- Traffic disrupted: SITE Super Highway partially blocked for over an hour
- Local reaction: Residents described the incident as "frightening" and called for better security in the industrial zone
Why was the raid conducted?
Police did not disclose the specific reason for the raid, but they confirmed that the suspects were known to law enforcement for previous street crimes. The Sindh Police CTD often conducts operations targeting gang members and armed robbers in high-crime areas of Karachi.
The New Karachi Industrial Area has seen a rise in street crimes and targeted robberies in recent months, with several businesses reporting losses. Local shopkeepers association leaders have demanded increased police presence to curb such incidents.
- Recent trend: Increase in street crimes in industrial zones
- Business impact: Several factories and shops report thefts and robberies
- Community demand: Calls for more police patrols and surveillance cameras
What happens next?
The Sindh Police CTD will continue the investigation to determine if the suspects were part of a larger criminal network. Authorities have also launched a door-to-door inquiry in the surrounding areas to gather more information.
- Investigation status: CTD leading the probe
- Forensic evidence: Collected from the scene
- Further actions: Door-to-door inquiries and intelligence gathering
What should you do if you witnessed the incident?
If you were in the New Karachi Industrial Area around 10:30 pm on Thursday and saw anything unusual, you can report it to the Sindh Police CTD or your local police station.
- Contact CTD: 021-99201111 (CTD hotline)
- Local police station: New Karachi Industrial Area Police Station
- Emergency helpline: 15
Residents are advised to avoid the area until the investigation is complete and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
What to watch next
- CTD press conference: Expected within the next 48 hours to share more details
- Business impact: Factories and shops in the area may face temporary disruptions
- Security measures: Police may increase patrols in response to local concerns
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as more information becomes available.
