Man wanted for attack on Chinese engineer in Pakistan killed in shootout, police say

A man allegedly involved in last year’s attack on a Chinese engineer in Karachi’s SITE area was among three suspects killed during a police shootout early Monday, according to authorities.

Police said the suspects were affiliated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Two of the deceased were identified as Zafran — who had a bounty of PKR 20 million ($70,000) on his head — and Qudrutullah. The identity of the third individual is still being confirmed.

The operation took place around 3:40 a.m. local time in Manghopir, a hilly area on the outskirts of Karachi’s west, known for criminal activity and violence.

Raja Umer Khattab, who heads the provincial Counter-Terrorism Department, said police raided a house where the suspects were believed to be hiding. Officers reportedly called on them to surrender, but the men opened fire. Police say all three were killed in the ensuing exchange.

Karachi, Pakistan’s financial capital, has witnessed repeated waves of political, sectarian, and criminal violence over the past two decades.

In response, security forces have conducted numerous raids and operations, particularly since a paramilitary-led crackdown began in 2013 to stabilize the city.

Areas like Manghopir, Lyari, and Orangi Town have frequently been the focus of these late-night raids, often targeting individuals linked to banned outfits like the TTP or local crime syndicates.

While police typically describe such incidents as retaliatory gunfire during operations, human rights groups have occasionally raised concerns about alleged extrajudicial killings and the absence of independent oversight.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan's (HRCP) State of Human Rights in 2024 report, at least "4,864 staged police encounters" were reported in Sindh and Punjab alone.

Law enforcement agencies, however, insist these operations are necessary to dismantle militant networks and safeguard public security.