KARACHI: Police investigators have suggested political rivalry and terrorism as a means to destabilise the city as possible motives for the deadly attack on Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmaker Rashid Godil, it emerged on Friday.

During the past two days, the police conducted search operations in different areas and detained over 30 people for questioning. Three of them were being grilled to help identify the motive for the attackers, said a senior police officer who is part of the investigation team.

With reference to the statement by Mr Godil’s wife, the senior officer said that CCTV footage showed the lawmaker being chased by suspects on a motorbike after he left his residence in Defence. But the suspects who shot at him did not appear to be the same indicating that one group chased him while another carried out the attack, he added.

Political rivals, jihadi elements suspected behind the attempted murder. Three of 30 suspects being grilled to find clues.

The footage gathered had not helped the police investigators to identify the attackers or the number plates on the motorbikes. Help of both local and foreign experts was also being sought, revealed the officer.

Another officer said on the condition of anonymity that district police were focusing on the possible involvement of activists from two political parties, while special units of the police were focusing on the involvement of jihadi elements.

“Rashid Godil was targeted because he belonged to the MQM, was a lawmaker and more importantly he appeared to be a soft target,” he added.

The officer said that investigations were focusing on a newly-formed militant group that had been targeting MQM workers and its members are found to be residing in the vicinity of Bahadurabad.

Condition improving steadily

Doctors at the Liaquat National Hospital (LNH) said on Thursday Mr Godil’s condition was steadily stabilising two days after they took off the ventilator on a ‘trial basis’.

A spokesman for the hospital said Mr Godil was under ‘strict observation’ and was making progress without the breathing apparatus for the second day running.

“His condition is improving, yet doctors have not declared him out of danger,” said Anjum Rizvi, LNH spokesman.

He said Mr Godil was mentally alert and responding positively. His cerebral and kidney functions were normal as were his heartbeat and blood pressure.

He said the MNA was mentally aware and had not lost his memory. “Today, he opened his eyes and recognised his relations and friends surrounding him,” said Mr Rizvi.

Doctors said Mr Godil sustained five bullet wounds ─ two in the neck and three in the chest and abdomen. One bullet that affected his right lung was still in the body and would stay there as he was not stable enough to be operated on.

PPP leaders visit Godil

Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani on Friday visited the LNH to inquire about Mr Godil’s health.

He called the attack on the MQM leader as ‘terrorism’ and hoped that the provincial government would soon arrest and punish those involved in the attack.

Sindh senior minister for information and education Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, who also visited the ailing lawmaker, said Mr Godil talked to him. “I found him a brave person,” he added.

The minister said Mr Godil was still in the intensive care unit with a bullet in his body.

He said the investigators were getting clues to the attackers who would soon be apprehended. He said the attack was a conspiracy to cause a breakdown of law and order in the city, but the Sindh government was determined to ensure peace at all cost.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2015

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