Zubair Baloch, the brother of jailed Pakistani gangster Uzair Baloch, was critically injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him in Karachi’s Lyari area on Thursday evening. Two bystanders were also injured in the attack, prompting a police investigation into possible gang rivalry and personal enmity.
According to a report by News18, the attack took place on Main Chakiwara Road in Lyari when two armed men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at the 40-year-old before fleeing the scene. Police said the assailants had covered their faces to conceal their identities.
Zubair Baloch undergoes surgery
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said Zubair suffered multiple bullet injuries to his chest and abdomen. He was rushed to Civil Hospital Karachi, where he underwent emergency surgery. One passerby who was caught in the firing was also reported to be in critical condition, while another sustained injuries.
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Police said a nearby shopkeeper returned fire after the attack, but the gunmen managed to escape. Authorities have launched an investigation and are examining all possible motives, including gang rivalry and personal enmity.
Political angle, return of gang members under scanner
As per News18 quoted in their report, a local social activist, speaking anonymously to Dawn, claimed that Zubair had recently joined a political party and had started displaying its flags in the area. Investigators are also looking into reports that several gang members who had fled to Dubai and Iran during earlier crackdowns have returned to Lyari following the recent US-Iran conflict, raising concerns over renewed gang activity in the locality.
Who is Uzair Baloch?
Uzair Baloch is the former chief of the now-defunct People’s Amn Committee, once considered one of Karachi’s most powerful criminal organisations. His life recently inspired a character in the 2026 Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar, where actor Danish Pandor portrayed him.
Police records show that Zubair Baloch had also been arrested in seven criminal cases in 2012 before being released in January 2025.
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Uzair Baloch remains behind bars
Uzair Baloch continues to face several criminal cases in Pakistan. In March this year, an anti-terrorism court rejected his bail pleas in seven cases related to murder, possession of explosives and attacks on law enforcement personnel. Earlier, in April 2020, a military court sentenced him to 12 years in prison after convicting him on espionage charges.
Who is Uzair Baloch?
Uzair Baloch is a Pakistani gangster and former chief of the now-defunct People’s Amn Committee in Karachi. He is serving a prison sentence after being convicted in multiple criminal and espionage-related cases.
Why was Uzair Baloch’s brother Zubair attacked?
The exact motive is yet to be established. Police are investigating multiple angles, including gang rivalry, personal enmity and possible links to recent political developments in Karachi.
