KARACHI – A six-hour-long operation in Pehlwan Goth on Thursday ended a three-day-long siege-like situation, as law enforcement agencies stepped in to break up skirmishes among warring groups and arrested four suspects.
Pehlwan Goth had been witnessing a siege-like situation for the past three days due to clashes between two groups. A contingent of the police had tried to enter the area early Thursday morning, but armed men perched atop a muti-storeyed building, Soneri Heights, opened fire at police armoured vehicles. The police then sent for Rangers personnel to join the operation.
Law enforcers announced the commencing of an operation, and directed innocent citizens to stay indoors. They also warned criminal elements to surrender, but no arrests were made by 3.00 pm. Law enforcers then started a door-to-door search operation in Pehlwan Goth, where the suspected criminals had taken refuge.
Many high-rise buildings in Pehlwan Goth, including Soneri Heights, were encircled and law enforcers manage to vacate many occupied flats. Law enforcers faced some resistance due to what they claimed was massive stockpiling of arms and ammunition.
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Police Officer (TPO) Naeem Sheikh told Pakistan Today that four criminals were arrested during the search operation. He claimed the police recovered two Kalashnikovs and 75 rounds from their possession, as well as a substantial quantity of drugs.
Gulistan-e-Jauhar Station House Officer (SHO) Asif Jakhrani said the killing of three Awami National Party (ANP) workers by Muddassir Chief-led criminal group had sparked the violence.
He said the criminals were firing at law enforcers and passers-by from Soneri Heights, and blocked the road leading towards Pehlwan Goth. They also opened fire at law enforcers when they tried to retrieve the body of ANP worker Saleem, who was killed by criminals on January 11, as well as on armoured vehicles of police.
He said Pehlwan Goth had opened again for routine activities after search operation.
