Terrorism case registered after clash at MQM-P headquarters

Karachi police have registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act following a violent clash between rival groups at

Karachi police have registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act following a violent clash between rival groups at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) headquarters in Bahadurabad that left several people injured and spread panic in the surrounding area.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the case has been registered by the state at New Town Police Station under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including rioting, attempted murder, causing injuries and unlawful assembly, along with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Police have nominated two suspects, identified as Azhar alias Lumba and Zeeshan Habib, while 20 to 25 unidentified individuals have also been named in the case.

Investigators said police received reports on the evening of August 2 that two groups had clashed near Choti Market in Bahadurabad. During the violence, a man identified as Amir sustained a bullet injury to his arm, while two others, Asad and Kashir Ali, were also injured. All three were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment.

The FIR states that both groups allegedly exchanged gunfire and fired into the air, creating fear among residents and disrupting public order. Authorities also noted that Section 144 was in force at the time, prohibiting the display of weapons and public disorder.

Police said the suspects fled the scene before law enforcement personnel arrived.

The incident reportedly occurred during a party meeting at MQM-P’s central office. According to police, tensions escalated after the meeting ended, leading to a confrontation between supporters of different party factions.

Officials said workers belonging to one faction allegedly assaulted members of the rival group and forced them out of the party headquarters. Heavy gunfire was also reported from inside the premises, causing alarm among nearby residents.