KARACHI: A police constable was killed in a shootout with suspected robbers, while one of them was gunned down during ensuing police action in Orangi Town on Thursday.

SSP West Tariq Illahi Mastoi said the martyred policeman Abdul Ghaffar was posted at his office.

He was on his way to join his duty when he saw three robbers looting traders of New Sabzi Mandi who were travelling in a van near Khalil Market.

The officer, demonstrating great bravery, challenged the robbers and tried to foil the robbery. The alleged robbers opened fire on him, resulting in bullet injuries to police officer Abdul Ghaffar and van driver Aijaz Gul.

Meanwhile, hearing gunshots, a patrolling police party reached the spot where the exchange of fire took place in which one suspect namely Tajuddin was killed, while his two accomplices managed to escape on a bike. The wounded policeman died while being taken to hospital.

SSP Mr Mastoi said the deceased suspect was an Afghan national. Police also claimed to have recovered one pistol from his possession.

The injured driver was taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where his condition was stated to be out of danger.

The bodies of the policeman and the suspect were also taken to the hospital for medico-legal formalities.

According to his colleagues, the martyred policeman was born in Naushero Feroze in 1970. He joined Pakistan Army engineering corps. He was also a qualified SSG commando. He joined the police force in 2014.

“He was a brave officer who had foiled a robbery in 2017 by killing three suspected robbers alone in Orangi,” recalled the West SSP.

Similarly, in another incident the martyred office was present outside his own home when three suspects attempted to loot the SSG commando. He challenged them and gunned down one suspect on the spot, added Mr Mastoi.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2024