Sunni Tehreek leader injured in armed attack in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: A senior Sunni Tehreek leader was wounded in an armed attack in Hyderabad’s Latifabad area on Friday, according to details cited in a first information report and statements made after the incident.

Muhammad Khalid Qadri, the party’s vice president, was targeted by three armed men riding a motorcycle in Latifabad. He suffered five bullet injuries to his thigh, chest, chin and ear, and was shifted to hospital in critical condition.

Police officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two suspects had been taken into custody for questioning while the investigation continued.

According to an FIR registered at the A-Section police station on Saturday, the attack took place after Qadri had offered Zuhr prayers at a mosque in Latifabad Unit 8. His brother, Muhammad Harris Khan, said Qadri remained at the mosque while he went home.

He said the family was informed soon afterwards by local residents that gunfire had erupted in the area. Qadri later told his brother at Liaquat University Hospital that he could recognise the attackers.

As described by Qadri, the assailants first approached and asked about his identity. They then left briefly before returning and opening fire while he was walking home with two companions.

Political and official response

Senior Sunni Tehreek leaders visited the injured party official at the hospital after the shooting. Among them was ST chief Muhammad Sarwat Aijaz Qadri, who condemned the attack and said such incidents could heighten sectarian tensions.

He also questioned why Safe City surveillance systems had failed to trace the attackers.

Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro and Senior Superintendent of Police Shahzeb Chachar also visited the hospital. Political figures from different parties expressed concern over the incident as well.

While speaking to the media, Qadri criticised the provincial administration, indirectly referring to the Pakistan Peoples Party, and said that despite being in power for nearly two decades, the law and order situation in Sindh remained troubling.

The attack has again drawn attention to the security situation in Hyderabad, particularly in Latifabad, where the shooting took place in broad daylight after prayers.

The FIR and subsequent statements form the basis of the ongoing investigation, while police continue questioning the detained suspects.