Pakistan: Notorious gangster Uzair Baloch's brother shot in Karachi's Lyari, sparks fresh gang war fears

The Chakiwara police said Zubair Baloch, 40, was shot on Main Chakiwara Road. Two passersby were also injured in the firing, Dawn reported.

All three injured were shifted to the Civil Hospital, Karachi, for treatment.

South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that Zubair had been arrested in seven criminal cases in 2012 and was released from prison in January 2025.

According to the police, Zubair was sitting outside his residence in Singu Lane when armed assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Reports said Zubair sustained multiple gunshot injuries, including to his chest and abdomen, and was undergoing surgery. One of the injured bystanders was also reported to be in critical condition.

DIG Raza said police were investigating the attack from multiple angles, including possible gang rivalry and personal enmity.

A local social activist, speaking to Dawn on condition of anonymity, claimed that Zubair had joined a political party a few months ago and had put up the party's flags in his neighbourhood.

The activist also said there were rumours in Lyari that several gangsters who had fled to Dubai and Iran following the Karachi operation had returned after the recent U.S.-Iran conflict. The reported return has sparked fears among residents of a possible resurgence of gang violence in the area.

According to the activist, the attackers, who had covered their faces, fled after a nearby shopkeeper allegedly returned fire.

Who is Uzair Baloch?

The attack has once again drawn attention to Uzair Baloch, one of Karachi's most notorious gang leaders, who has faced numerous criminal charges over the years.

In March this year, a Pakistani court rejected Uzair Baloch's bail applications in seven cases related to murder, attempted murder of police personnel, armed encounters, and possession of explosives.

According to Dawn, Uzair and his associates were accused of attacking law enforcement personnel with firearms and explosives in 2012 within the jurisdiction of the Kalakot police station.

In April 2020, a Pakistani military court convicted Uzair Baloch on espionage charges and sentenced him to 12 years in prison.

Interestingly, Uzair Baloch's violent ascent to power in Pakistan's Lyari area is believed to be the inspiration behind recently released Bollywood movie Dhurandhar.