In Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), a shocking incident has jolted residents: armed men opened fire on a police van, abducted Head Constable Muhammad Ishaq, then released him unharmed after about an hour.According to police reports, this happened in DHA Phase 8, Khayaban-e-Arafat. The police team had stopped a suspicious car, and its occupants suddenly started shooting. During the chaos, Ishaq was grabbed at gunpoint and forced into a vehicle. His service weapon dropped during the struggle.The assailants drove around for nearly one hour with Ishaq before releasing him near New Sabzi Mandi, on Karachi’s outskirts. After he was freed, Head Constable Ishaq made his way to Sahil Police Station using an online ride-hailing service.An FIR has been registered at Sahil Police Station based on Ishaq’s complaint. It names four unidentified persons and includes charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, terrorism, and other serious offenses.Details from the FIR say that the police were trying to search the suspicious car when the accused exited and opened fire. Two of them overpowered Ishaq, forced him into their vehicle, and continued firing at the other officers as they drove away.Before releasing him, the kidnappers reportedly snatched Ishaq’s phone, cash, service ID card, and other personal belongings.Currently, authorities are examining CCTV footage from the area and working to trace the car used in the abduction. They hope this will help identify and arrest the suspects.This incident highlights increasing risks for law enforcement in high-security areas, even when performing routine checks. DHA, usually considered a more secure neighbourhood, has seen such serious violence points to growing boldness among attackers. It also raises concerns about the safety protocols of police when stopping suspicious vehicles at checkpoints.In summary, the main issues are the abduction of a police officer, the use of open fire by unidentified assailants, the escape of suspects, and the theft of the officer’s belongings. The incident has been taken seriously by police, and investigations are ongoing.
