A violent shootout erupted on Thursday night in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), resulting in the deaths of five individuals and leaving three others critically injured. The incident occurred amidst a clash between two factions of the Bugti clan, stemming from a longstanding personal enmity.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Syed Asad Raza, the confrontation took place near the residence of Ali Haider Bugti on Khayaban-i-Nishat. The opposing factions, led by Fahad Bugti and Ali Haider Bugti, engaged in a fierce gunfight, which tragically claimed the life of Fahad Ahmed Nawaz Bugti, 50, a nephew of the late Baloch chieftain Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. Ali Haider Bugti, also critically injured in the clash, is a maternal nephew of the same chieftain.
Authorities have detained eight suspects in connection with the incident. These individuals have been distributed across various police stations within district South. DIG Raza noted that both factions had a history of enmity, having previously filed First Information Reports (FIRs) against each other at the Sahil and Darakhshan police stations. The altercation reportedly began with a heated phone exchange, prompting Ali Haider Bugti and his gunmen to confront Fahad at his residence.
In response to the tragic event, Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar has demanded a detailed report from the additional inspector-general of police for Karachi. Emphasising the rule of law, Lanjar stated, “No one is above the law and every step should be taken to establish its writ.” He has also called for strict legal action against those involved in the violent clash, asserting that the peace and safety of Karachi must be upheld.
The incident has sparked concerns about ongoing tribal conflicts and their impact on public safety in urban areas. Authorities are under pressure to address these issues decisively to prevent further violence.