KARACHI: A local councilor from the Jamaat-i-Islami party was shot dead, and two party workers were injured while trying to mediate a dispute concerning illegal power connections in Karachi’s Surjani Town area. The incident occurred late at night, and police suspect the involvement of a “kunda (illegal electric connection) mafia” in the murder, ruling out any political motivation. Authorities identified the victim as Mohammed Habib, while Syed Adnan and Muzamil sustained injuries.
The incident took place in an area where illegal power connections were prevalent, and the victim had gone there to intervene in a dispute. According to reports, residents of the area allegedly make regular payments to certain officials as part of their arrangement. The police have registered an FIR, naming Juni Bhai and five others as suspects.
Residents had approached the slain councilor regarding the issue of rampant illegal power connections, and he had contacted the Union Council Chairman for assistance. While inspecting documents shared by a resident, a group of armed men arrived at the scene and began firing, resulting in the councilor’s death. The incident highlights the challenges related to illegal power connections and disputes in various parts of Pakistan.
JI Demands Action Against ‘Kunda Mafia
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the chief of JI Karachi, led the funeral prayers for the slain Jamaat-i-Islami councilor in Surjani Town. During the occasion, Rehman strongly criticized K-Electric for its alleged inability to stop the activities of the “kunda mafia” in the area.
The party warned that they would initiate a protest if the director general of the Sindh Rangers and the Sindh police chief failed to apprehend those responsible for the councilor’s killing within 48 hours. Rehman also alleged that the mafia operated with the support of the government.
