KARACHI – An online motorcycle rider was killed after being shot by armed assailants near Nagan Chowrangi in Karachi.
The victim, a father of three, was awaiting a passenger when two unidentified men riding separate motorcycles opened fire. Police have initially described the incident as a possible case of targeted killing, although eyewitnesses suggest that it may have been part of a robbery attempt that escalated into violence.
The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday when the victim, identified as 55-year-old Muhammad Ismail, was waiting for a ride in the busy area of Nagan Chowrangi. According to police, four suspects on two motorcycles approached Ismail and began firing at him. Two bullets struck him in the abdomen, and he died on the spot.
A passerby, 17-year-old Sohail, was also hit during the gunfire. Sohail, who was reportedly caught in the crossfire, sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. Both Ismail’s body and the injured Sohail were rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medical attention.
In a statement, Karachi Police confirmed the identity of the deceased as Muhammad Ismail, son of Muhammad Isa. They also confirmed Sohail’s identity as the 17-year-old bystander. Police said the shooters targeted Ismail but did not provide further details on the motive behind the attack.
Eyewitnesses, including a street vendor and a beggar, have shared a different perspective. They claim that the gunmen first tried to rob Ismail of his mobile phone. After snatching the phone from him, one of the robbers on the second motorcycle opened fire. The witnesses reported that the gunmen fired a total of six shots before fleeing the scene.
Ismail’s son, Haris, explained that his father had been operating as an online motorcycle rider after his small shoe shop, located near a water pump market, closed down due to business losses. He revealed that his father had been awaiting a passenger at the local motorcycle stand when the tragic event occurred.
Local police have vowed to intensify their investigation into the shooting, while residents of the area have expressed growing concerns over the rising violence and street crime in Karachi.
