Dhurandhar-Style Attack Rocks Karachi's Lyari, Uzair Baloch's Brother Injured in Suspected Gang Rivalry Shootout

Zubair Baloch, the brother of imprisoned Pakistani gangster Uzair Baloch, was critically injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him in Karachi's Lyari area on Thursday evening. Two bystanders were also wounded in the attack, prompting police to investigate possible gang rivalry and personal enmity.

Gunmen Open Fire Outside Lyari Residence

According to Karachi Police, the attack took place on Main Chakiwara Road in Lyari when 40-year-old Zubair Baloch was standing outside his residence in the Singu Lane neighbourhood.

South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza said two armed men arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire on Zubair and fled the scene. The attackers had reportedly concealed their identities by covering their faces.

A nearby shopkeeper allegedly returned fire, forcing the assailants to escape.

Zubair Undergoes Surgery, Two Passersby Injured

Zubair sustained multiple bullet injuries to his chest and abdomen and was rushed to Civil Hospital Karachi, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Two passersby were also injured in the firing, with one reported to be in a critical condition.

Police Investigating Multiple Angles

Police said investigators are examining several possible motives, including gang rivalry and personal enmity.

A local social activist, speaking anonymously to Pakistani daily Dawn, claimed that Zubair had recently joined a political party and had begun displaying its flags in the locality.

The activist also alleged that several gang members who had fled to Dubai and Iran during Karachi's anti-gang operations may have returned following the recent US-Iran conflict, raising concerns about a resurgence of organised gang violence in Lyari.

Who Is Uzair Baloch?

Uzair Baloch is the former chief of the now-defunct People's Amn Committee, a group long associated with organised crime and political influence in Karachi's Lyari area.

According to police, Zubair had previously been arrested in seven criminal cases in 2012 and was released in January 2025.

Earlier this year, an anti-terrorism court rejected Uzair Baloch's bail pleas in seven cases involving charges of murder, possession of explosives and an alleged attack on police officers dating back to 2012.

In April 2020, a military court convicted him of espionage and sentenced him to 12 years' imprisonment.

Bollywood Connection

Uzair Baloch recently returned to the spotlight after his character was portrayed by actor Danish Pandor in the 2026 Bollywood spy thriller Dhurandhar. The latest attack on his brother has once again drawn attention to Lyari's long-standing history of gang violence and organised crime.