Zubair Baloch, the brother of gangster Uzair Baloch, sustained serious injuries on Friday after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him in Karachi’s Lyari area, according to a report by Dawn. The violent incident also left two passersby wounded, heightening community anxieties regarding a potential resurgence of neighborhood gang violence.
Shooting Occurs on Main Chakiwara Road
According to a statement issued by Chakiwara police, the 40-year-old victim was shot on main Chakiwara Road. South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that Zubair Baloch was sitting outside his home in Singu Lane when armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire before speeding away. Zubair suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his chest and abdomen, and underwent surgery at Civil Hospital Karachi, where he was shifted alongside the two injured bystanders.
DIG Raza stated that one of the injured passersby was also in critical condition following the attack. Police have launched a formal investigation into the shooting, examining several possible motives, including personal enmity and gang rivalry. Investigators are actively working to determine whether the Friday shooting shares a connection with his criminal past or other ongoing local disputes. DIG Raza confirmed that Zubair had previously faced arrest in seven criminal cases in 2012 before securing his release in January 2025.
Did You Know? Zubair Baloch was previously arrested in seven criminal cases in 2012 and remained detained until his release in January 2025, according to statements from police officials.
Residents Voice Fears Over Lyari Security
Local residents have expressed deep concern that the attack could signal a return to Lyari’s volatile past. A local social activist, speaking to Dawn on the condition of anonymity, claimed that Zubair had joined a political party a few months prior to the incident and had erected its flags throughout the neighborhood. The activist also pointed to circulating rumors in Lyari suggesting that multiple gangsters who previously fled to Dubai and Iran following a major Karachi operation had recently returned following the US-Iran war.
According to the anonymous activist, many neighborhood residents fear the area could once again slide into the intense gang violence that historically plagued Lyari. The activist further reported that the attackers concealed their faces during the assault and fled the scene only after a nearby shopkeeper returned fire in response.
Context Surrounding Uzair Baloch
The high-profile shooting has drawn renewed public and media attention to Uzair Baloch, the former Lyari gang leader who has confronted numerous criminal proceedings over the years. In March of this year, an anti-terrorism court formally rejected his bail applications across seven separate cases involving murder, a police encounter, and the possession of explosives. Those legal matters stem from a 2012 incident wherein Uzair and others were accused of deploying firearms and explosives against law enforcement personnel within the jurisdiction of the Kalakot police station.
Prior to those rulings, a military court convicted Uzair Baloch of espionage in April 2020 and handed down a 12-year prison sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was injured in the Karachi shooting?
Zubair Baloch, the 40-year-old brother of Uzair Baloch, suffered serious chest and abdomen wounds, while two passersby were also injured in the attack.
Where did the armed attack take place?
The shooting occurred outside Zubair Baloch’s residence in Singu Lane on main Chakiwara Road in Karachi’s Lyari area.
What legal history does Uzair Baloch have?
Uzair Baloch was convicted of espionage by a military court in April 2020 and sentenced to 12 years in prison, in addition to facing anti-terrorism court proceedings involving murder and explosives charges.
What measures are authorities taking following the incident in Lyari?