KARACHI: Several vehicles were reportedly torched in different parts of the metropolis in arson related incidents during the past 24 hours, officials said on Thursday

According to details, a coaster was set on fire in Labour Square, Landhi, on Thursday while two vehicles —a bus and a bulldozer — were torched in two separate incidents in F B Area Block-6 and Bufferzone respectively late Wednesday night. A minibus was also torched in the old city area of Napier.

Police officials suspect that the arson related incidents were a ploy to spread fear ahead of by-polls in the PS-127 constituency. “In at least three such cases, workers of a political party were nominated in the FIRs,” officials added.

The officials, however, refused to divulge the political identity of the suspects and said “they wanted to arrest them first”.

Joharabad, Taimuria and Sukhan police have registered cases against workers of a “political party” and raids were being conducted to arrest them, sources informed Dawn.

Police have registered the cases under Sections 335 and 34 of Pakistan Penal Code and 7-ATA (anti-terrorism act of 1997) against the suspects.

Karachi-Central SSP Muqadas Haider confirmed that there were arson related incidents in the metropolis. The officer, however, added that cases have been registered against unknown suspects and the police were working on the case to arrest the culprits.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah telephoned the provincial IG police and expressed displeasure over the incident. Shah ordered the IG police to arrest and punish the suspects.

“The days of violence are over. Now are the days of love, peace and happiness,” said the Sindh CM.