KARACHI: A policeman died on Saturday after being hit by a vehicle being driven by alleged smugglers in Gulshan-i-Maymar, according to police and rescue services officials.

Site Superhighway Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Nawaz said that a police mobile was on routine patrol at Maymar Mor when it signalled a car to stop for checking.

However, the suspects travelling in the car did not stop. They accelerated the vehicle and hit 36-year-old constable Abdul Manan, who sustained critical injuries.

He was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. His funeral prayers were later offered at the DIG East Zone Police Headquarters.

SHO Nawaz said other policemen chased the fleeing suspects in their mobile, which was also hit and damaged by the suspects.

Regardless, the police managed to arrest both suspects, identified as Agha Jan and Naseem.

The police officer said during the initial probe, it was discovered that the seized car was heavily loaded with chalia (betel nut) and was being driven with a fake number plate.

The SHO said both suspects were betel nut smugglers and further investigation was under way.