Uzair Baloch's brother shot in Karachi's Lyari, two bystanders hurt
Synopsis
Zubair Baloch, brother of Karachi gangster Uzair Baloch, was shot multiple times outside his Lyari home on 2 August — the latest flashpoint in a city where street crime, killings, and extortion have surged sharply through 2025. Police are probing both gang rivalry and political enmity as possible motives.
Key Takeaways
Zubair Baloch , brother of gangster Uzair Baloch , was shot multiple times — including in the chest and abdomen — in Lyari, Karachi on 2 August .
Two bystanders were also injured in the attack on Chakiwara Road .
Police are investigating both gang rivalry and political enmity as possible motives.
Zubair Baloch was previously arrested in 7 criminal cases in 2012 and released in 2025 .
An anti-terrorism court rejected bail for Uzair Baloch in 7 cases in March , including murder and possession of explosives.
Karachi recorded 176 murders and 61 extortion cases between January and April 2025 , per CPLC data.
Zubair Baloch, brother of notorious gangster Uzair Baloch, was grievously wounded on 2 August after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him in the Lyari neighbourhood of Karachi, according to local media reports citing police. Two passersby were also injured in the attack, which took place on Chakiwara Road in Lyari.
How the Attack Unfolded
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said Zubair Baloch was sitting outside his residence in Singu Lane when assailants opened fire and fled the scene. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to his chest and abdomen, according to reports citing Pakistan-based daily Dawn.
Police Probe: Gang Rivalry or Political Enmity
DIG Raza said investigators are examining the shooting from multiple angles, including whether it stems from gang rivalry or political enmity. Zubair Baloch had previously been arrested in seven criminal cases in 2012 and was released in 2025. His brother, Uzair Baloch, remains in legal jeopardy — in March, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) rejected bail applications filed on his behalf in seven cases related to police encounters, murder, and possession of explosives.
Karachi's Worsening Crime Landscape
The attack comes amid a documented surge in crime across Karachi. Data released by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) in May revealed a sharp rise in street crime between January and April this year. During that period, residents were robbed of 611 cars and 13,346 motorcycles, collectively worth millions of rupees, while 5,567 mobile phones were stolen in street crime incidents alone.
Violence-related incidents were equally alarming: 176 people were killed in various murder incidents, and 61 extortion cases were reported across the same four-month window. In April alone, 42 people were killed, 22 cars snatched and 111 stolen, 469 motorcycles snatched and 2,723 stolen, and 1,624 mobile phones snatched from citizens.
Domestic Violence and Child Safety Concerns
Separately, the Police Women and Child Protection Cell reported that at least 388 adults and 10 minors faced domestic violence, harassment, abuse, and related crimes in Karachi between January and April this year — underscoring the breadth of the city's public safety crisis.
Investigators have not yet established a motive in the attack on Zubair Baloch, and the search for the gunmen is ongoing.
Point of View
One that Pakistani authorities have repeatedly claimed to dismantle without lasting effect. With Uzair Baloch still facing trial and his brother now a shooting victim, the cycle of retributive violence in the area appears unbroken. The CPLC data released in May makes the broader failure stark: Karachi recorded 176 murders and thousands of vehicle and phone thefts in just four months. Law enforcement's inability to contain street crime and organised gang activity in Pakistan's largest city raises questions about both capacity and political will.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zubair Baloch and why was he attacked?
Zubair Baloch is the brother of notorious Karachi gangster Uzair Baloch. He was shot multiple times outside his home in Lyari's Singu Lane on 2 August; police are investigating whether the attack was linked to gang rivalry or political enmity.
What is the condition of Zubair Baloch after the shooting?
Zubair Baloch sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including to his chest and abdomen, and was reported to be seriously injured. Two bystanders on Chakiwara Road were also hurt in the attack.
Who is Uzair Baloch?
Uzair Baloch is a gangster from Karachi's Lyari area with a long criminal history. As of March 2025, an anti-terrorism court had rejected his bail applications in seven cases related to police encounters, murder, and possession of explosives.
How serious is crime in Karachi in 2025?
According to CPLC data released in May 2025, Karachi witnessed 176 murders, 61 extortion cases, the theft of 611 cars, 13,346 motorcycles, and 5,567 mobile phones between January and April 2025 alone. The Police Women and Child Protection Cell also reported 388 adults and 10 minors as victims of domestic violence and harassment in the same period.
Have police made any arrests in the Lyari shooting?
As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made. The gunmen fled the scene after opening fire, and police said the investigation is ongoing from multiple angles.
