KARACHI, Jan 21: A young worker of the Pakistan People’s Party was shot dead on Nishtar Road in the early hours of Saturday, police and party sources said.

They said Faizan, son of Khan Muhammad, in his late 20s, was targeted by a man riding pillion on a motorcycle near the Albella traffic intersection on Nishtar Road. The police remained unclear about the people and motive behind the killing.

“One of the riders was seen getting off the motorbike, and he sped away with his accomplice after firing multiple shots at Faizan,” said an official at the Soldier Bazaar police station. “He was hit by three bullets — two in the chest and one in the head — and died on the spot. The body was later shifted to the Civil Hospital Karachi.”

Ruling party leaders said the victim was an active PPP worker and had been associated with its south district for years. He was also a close aide of local PPP leader Saleem Sanjwani. “He was employed as a security guard at Mr Sanjwani’s restaurant in the same area,” said Sohail Abidi, a senior PPP leader currently looking after the party’s central district as its president.

“The victim was a resident of Patel Para, associated in the same neighbourhood (PS-117) with the party organisation. We strongly condemn the incident and also have concerns for the security of our workers.”

Bullet-riddled body foundThe bullet-riddled body of a young man was found in the Dalmia area in what police suspected was a result of rivalry between criminals operating in the area.

They said the body of 28-year-old Khalid Rub alias Lamba was found near a private school in Karim Bakhsh Para, one of the several low-income localities in Dalmia.

“The body was spotted near Iqra Al-Furqan School in Karim Bakhsh Para,” said an official at the Aziz Bhatti police station. “The victim sustained three bullets, all in the back around the waist. Multiple torture marks were also visible on the body. It was shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for medico-legal formalities, where the family identified the victim.”He said the victim had a criminal record and was known for his alleged association with one of the gangs in the area.

The victim’s father told the police that they would come for an FIR after consulting other members of the family.