Police constable martyred , two suspected robbers killed in Karachi shootout

A police constable was martyred and two suspected robbers were shot dead during an exchange of fire in Karachi’s Orangi Town early on Tuesday morning, according to police and rescue services officials.

The senior superintendent of police (SSP) of District West, Tariq Illahi Mastoi, said that four police officials of District West were conducting routine motorcycle patrolling near Liaquat Chowk, within the limits of Pakistan Bazaar Police Station, when they encountered armed robbers. Upon seeing the police party, the suspects opened indiscriminate fire. The police retaliated in self-defence, resulting in an exchange of fire, he said.

The SSP added that both armed suspects were killed during the exchange of fire. Two pistols along with ammunition, spent shell casings, and the motorcycle being used by the suspects were recovered from their possession. According to a police statement, there were “at least 13 criminal cases” registered against one suspect, while one case had been registered against the other.

The incident comes amid a recent surge in violent crime in the port city. Last week, a suspected robber was gunned down and a policeman was wounded in a shoot-out on Mauripur Road. Earlier this month, two suspected robbers were shot dead by citizens in Gulzar-i-Hijri and Cattle Colony. In another incident, a suspected robber was lynched by an angry mob and another was wounded by a bullet allegedly fired by an accomplice during a robbery in Korangi.

Police have reiterated their commitment to combating criminal activity in the city, while the latest encounter underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public safety amid rising street crime.