Robbery killing and fatal dumper crash in Karachi, claim 2 young lives

The first incident took place near Liaquatabad No. 10, where a 28-year-old man, identified as Shahzad, was allegedly shot dead

KARACHI: Karachi witnessed two separate fatal incidents within hours, leaving two young men dead and reigniting public anger over rising street crime and the unchecked movement of heavy vehicles in densely populated areas.

The first incident took place near Liaquatabad No. 10, where a 28-year-old man, identified as Shahzad, was allegedly shot dead while resisting armed robbers attempting to steal his motorcycle.

According to eyewitnesses and sources familiar with the incident, the assailants opened fire after the victim refused to hand over his motorcycle keys. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head and died in the incident.

Police said the suspects fled the scene after taking the motorcycle and the victim’s mobile phone. Investigators have begun examining CCTV footage from nearby shops and other possible sources of evidence to identify the attackers.

The killing has once again raised concerns among residents over street crime, particularly motorcycle and mobile-phone snatching incidents reported across several parts of the city.

Hours later, another tragedy unfolded in Korangi when an 18-year-old youth, identified as Hamza Farooq, was killed after being struck by a speeding dumper near Korangi Market No. 6.

According to local sources, the heavy vehicle was moving at high speed through the commercial area when it hit the young man. The incident triggered an immediate protest, with angry residents blocking the road and setting the dumper on fire.

Protesters demanded strict restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles through crowded markets, particularly during peak business hours. They also called for effective enforcement against speeding and reckless driving, saying repeated accidents involving dumpers have created a growing sense of insecurity among residents.

The two incidents, occurring on the same day, prompted renewed criticism of law enforcement and traffic management in the metropolis.

Residents and community representatives said the separate tragedies reflected two persistent challenges facing Karachi: street crime and the unsafe movement of heavy transport vehicles through populated areas.

They demanded stronger police patrols and targeted action against robbery gangs in areas including Liaquatabad, Nazimabad and surrounding neighbourhoods. They also called for checkpoints, stricter speed monitoring and enforceable time restrictions for heavy vehicles operating near markets and residential communities.

Police officials said cases relating to both incidents have been registered and investigations are underway. In the Liaquatabad case, CCTV footage is being reviewed, while the driver of the dumper involved in the Korangi crash had not been arrested at the time of reporting.

Authorities maintained that operations against street criminals and speeding heavy vehicles are continuing, while acknowledging the difficulties involved in monitoring heavy transport within busy commercial areas.

The deaths of the two young men have nevertheless deepened public concern over whether existing policing and traffic enforcement measures are sufficient to prevent recurring tragedies in Karachi.