Two Shia Muslims Martyred, Four Injured in Targeted Attack by Takfiri Militants in Karachi

In a tragic incident of targeted killing, two Shia Muslims were martyred and four others injured when armed assailants opened fire in the Pehlwan Goth area of Karachi on Sunday evening. The attackers are believed to be affiliated with the banned extremist outfit Sipah-e-Sahaba, also known as Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ).

The martyred have been identified as Ali Waris, son of prominent scholar Molana Rajab Ali Bangash, and Syed Mazhar Hussain. The victims were originally from Gilgit-Baltistan and Parachinar—regions that have long been affected by sectarian tensions and targeted killings. Moreover, the initial reports from hospital suggest an injured has  also been martyred.

The injured were identified as Ali Hassan, Muhammad Ali and Habib Ali.

Ali Hassan and Muhammad Ali are brothers.

Molana Rajab Ali Bangash is the prayer leader of a mosque in the area. He is also President of Shia Ulema Council Sindh Province.

According to eyewitnesses and initial police reports, the victims were ambushed in a targeted attack by militants described by locals as Khawariji Takfiri terrorists—a term often used to describe violent extremists who declare other Muslims as infidels.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, though no arrests have been made at the time of reporting.

East Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Farrukh Raza said in a statement that police were receiving “different information” about the possible motives of the incident from the area.

“Initial information suggests that two motorcyclists came to the shop and opened fire,” the statement read. “There are reports about the presence of a car at the scene but these are being confirmed.”

The statement added that forensic evidence has been collected from the crime scene, including bullet casings.

This latest act of violence has sparked outrage within the Shia community, with calls for swift justice and stronger action against banned outfits operating under various guises in the city.

One of the party’s leaders, Allama Sadiq Jafri, condemned the incident in a statement, saying, “We demand the immediate arrest of the suspects involved in this incident. The increase in target killings puts a question mark on law enforcement agencies.”

He added: “The network of sectarian extremists is becoming active again.”

Community leaders have urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate steps to curb the resurgence of sectarian violence in Karachi and to protect citizens from extremist elements.