KARACHI: A former MNA and leader of one of the factions of the Mutta­hida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Ali Raza Abidi was shot dead outside his home in the Defence area here on Tuesday as a sudden surge in killings and violent incidents, mainly on political grounds, in recent weeks has started fanning fears among Karachiites enjoying peace following the targeted operation in the city.

Police authorities said it was a targeted attack by armed pillion-riders who apparently were waiting for Mr Abidi to return home.

They attacked him in his vehicle outside his home in the Defence Housing Autho­rity’s Khayaban-i-Ghazi. Left badly wounded, he was rushed to the Jinnah Post­graduate Medical Centre where doctors found bullet wounds in the head and neck. Later he was pronounced dead.

“We are in the process of collecting evidence and recording statements of the witnesses, but it seems that the pillion-rider attackers executed this job,” said SSP investigation Tariq Dharejo. “But still it’s all based on assessment and statements of a few people. We are certain to get more clues in our investigation. We are collecting footage of CCTV cameras installed in the street and adjoining arteries. It would be early to speculate about the motive for or people behind the attack, but obviously one can’t rule it out its link with recent incidents of the same nature.”

After conceding defeat in July 25 general election to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan from NA-243, Mr Abidi tendered in his resignation from the MQM’s basic membership citing personal reasons just days before the by-polls in the same constituency after Mr Khan became prime minister and vacated the seat.

However, 46-year-old Abidi was lately seen moving with the disgruntled leader Dr Farooq Sattar, who was expelled from the party recently.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2018