Two PPP workers shot dead in Karachi's Orangi Town

KARACHI: Two workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) were shot dead in Orangi Town late on Wednesday night, according to police and party officials.

Pakistan Bazaar SHO Imam Bux Lashari said that Shehroz Sajjad, 36, and Saqib Javed, 25, were travelling on a motorcycle when armed pillion riders opened fire on them in the Gulshan-i-Bihar area. Sajjad fell from the moving motorcycle after being hit by gunfire, while Javed abandoned the bike and ran for cover. However, the attackers chased him down and shot him as well, the SHO said.

Both men sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival, according to police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed.

Investigation underway

Investigators have recovered four spent bullet casings from a 9mm pistol from the scene of the attack. The casings have been sent to the police forensic science laboratory to ascertain whether the same weapon had been used in any previous crimes, police said.

PPP confirms victims' party affiliation

PPP Sindh General Secretary Senator Waqar Mehdi confirmed the party affiliation of the two victims. He told media that Sajjad was an active worker of the party's youth wing, while Javed was a party supporter.

The targeted killing of two party workers in one of Karachi's densely populated neighbourhoods has raised concerns about the safety of political activists in the city. Orangi Town, located in the western part of Karachi, has historically witnessed incidents of violence and targeted killings.

The motive behind the attack and the identity of the assailants remain unclear as police continue their investigation into the double murder. No arrests have been reported so far in connection with the case.

The incident took place late on Wednesday night, with details emerging on Thursday as police and party officials shared information about the killings.