Naqeebullah killing: Super Highway cleared for traffic after protesters disperse

By
Khawar Khan
|

KARACHI: Protesters, gathered to demand the removal of Malir SSP Rao Anwar, dispersed on late Friday evening as the area was cleared by police and Rangers personnel. 

One person was injured earlier when police resorted to aerial firing to clear the major thoroughfare.  

The protesters had opened the thoroughfare for traffic after keeping it blocked for approximately an hour an a half, before again blocking the highway. 

The road was blocked on the announcement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Dr Arif Alvi. 

Smoke billows as tyres, furniture burnt.  

In a media talk on January 13, SSP Malir had claimed to have shot dead four alleged terrorists in a police encounter in Shah Latif Town of Karachi. 

Later, it was revealed that the killed ‘terrorists’ included Naseemullah alias Naqeebullah, a 27-year-old man from South Waziristan Agency. His family claimed he disappeared on January 3 from Sohrab Goth and was then killed in a fake encounter.

People gathered to protest Naqeebullah's killing. 

Friday's demonstration was also attended by leaders of various political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Awami National Party and Pak Sarzameen Party.

No government representative had reached the site to hold negotiations with the protesters until this report was filed.

Naqeebullah was laid to rest in Ladha subdivision of South Waziristan earlier in the day, but in other parts of the country, protests were carried out against his killing.

Super Highway blocked. 

However, appearing before an enquiry committee on Friday, SSP Malir said a kidnapping for ransom case was registered against Naqeebullah in 2014. The police official also spoke to the media, asking why the deceased’s family did not file a missing person case in any police station if he disappeared on January 3.

According to the SSP, he was being avenged for taking action against PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh.