FIR registered over armed clash at MQM-P headquarters in Karachi

Police in Karachi have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against two named suspects and 20 to 25 unidentified individuals in connection with an armed clash between two groups at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) headquarters in Bahadurabad.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the case was registered by the state at New Town Police Station under provisions relating to terrorism, aerial firing, rioting, unlawful assembly and damage to property.

According to the FIR, suspects Azhar, also known as Lamba, and Zeeshan, along with 20 to 25 unidentified accomplices, allegedly opened aerial fire and became involved in a violent confrontation at the party headquarters. 

The report states that three people were injured during the incident.

Police said the firing and fighting caused widespread panic in the area and created fear among residents and people nearby.

The case follows violence reported at the MQM-P headquarters on 2 August, when more than a dozen party workers were said to have been injured after clashes erupted between rival groups during preparations for Independence Day celebrations.

According to earlier reports, an argument among party workers escalated into a physical confrontation before rival groups allegedly exchanged gunfire inside and around the headquarters. Sources also claimed that senior party leaders became involved in heated exchanges during a meeting of the party's coordination committee.

A heavy police contingent was deployed to the headquarters following the incident to restore order and prevent further violence.

At the time of the incident, police had not issued an official statement confirming the circumstances of the clash or the number of people injured, while the MQM-P leadership had also not publicly commented on the incident. The investigation into the case is continuing.

Reporter: Miraj Akhtar