Five killed in Karachi shootout between Bugti groups

Following a gunfight between members of the Bugti clan that left five people dead and two seriously injured, Karachi police have stated they have so far taken 17 suspects into custody.

Late on Thursday night, a shootout broke out between two groups commanded by Ali Haider Bugti and Fahad Ahmed Nawaz Bugti in the Defence Housing Authority's (DHA) Khayaban-i-Nishat neighbourhood.

Fifty-year-old Fahad, a nephew of the late Baloch chieftain Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, was killed in the clash, while Ali Haider, the Bugti chieftain’s maternal nephew, was injured.

Daily ‘Dawn’ quoted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Asad Raza as saying that two individuals were injured, not three, as was initially reported, and that four more people had died. “Earlier today, police took action in DHA and detained 17 Bugti clan members, including two gunmen,” DIG Raza said.

He further stated that the suspects belonged to two alleged competing groups inside the Bugti family. “Eight individuals were arrested soon after the incident while the remaining suspects were detained early Friday morning,” he told reporters.

He further stated that two injured Bugti family members had been transported to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) for treatment, where police guards had been stationed since investigators were treating the wounded as suspects in the altercation.

DIG Raza provided additional information regarding the event, stating that at approximately 11:25pm on Thursday, an exchange of fire occurred between the two tribal groups at DHA’s Nishat Commercial Lane 10, within the jurisdiction of Darakhshan police station.

As a result, Fahad and 35-year-old Naseebullah Bugti died. Three people from the Ali Haider gang were also killled: Mir Ali Haider Bugti’s sons Meer Mohsin Bugti and Mir Essa Bugti, as well as their gunner, Ali.

Meanwhile, Ali Haider and his groupmate Qaim Ali Qadir received injuries. Both were taken directly to AKUH for treatment, according to police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed.

According to the police surgeon, two victims underwent post-mortem examinations at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, while three more bodies were autopsied at the Civil Hospital Karachi. Dr Syed said they had all received multiple firearm injuries.

During a preliminary police investigation, both factions, commanded by deceased Fahad and Ali Haider, offered different versions of the occurrence, according to DIG Raza.

Fahad’s side said they were attacked by Ali Haider and his gunmen, prompting them to respond in “self-defence”. However, the Ali Haider group claimed that they were the first to be attacked.

The DIG stated that detectives questioned Ali Haider about their reason for visiting Fahad’s home in Nishat Commercial, where the incident occurred.

According to DIG Raza, CCTV footage recovered by the police showed Fahad Bugti and his gunmen leaving his house in two luxury automobiles, while Ali Haider, who was going in a single vehicle with his gunmen/relatives, hit the car on the bumper of Fahad’s vehicle. Shortly after, both sides exchanged heavy gunfire.

According to the DIG, the brutal confrontation occurred near the main gate of Fahad’s apartment. He stated that the rounds were initially fired on the left side of Ali Haider’s vehicle, and that straight bullets did not appear to be fired at him.