Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan has suspended 16 police personnel, including seven officers, following a confrontation between the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and District Central Police during an operation to arrest suspects in Karachi’s Nazimabad area.
The disciplinary action followed an inquiry conducted by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza into the incident, which reportedly occurred on the night of October 14, 2026. The inquiry examined the circumstances that led to the clash between the two police units.
11 SIU Personnel and Five District Police Officials Suspended
According to the inquiry findings reported by local media, 11 personnel from the SIU and five officials from District Central Police have been suspended.
The inquiry reportedly found greater negligence on the part of the SIU team. Show-cause notices have been issued to the deputy superintendents of police heading both units, while the senior superintendents overseeing the SIU and Central District have received letters of advice.
The suspended personnel have been directed to report to the Suspended Company at Garden Police Headquarters in Karachi’s South Zone. Departmental proceedings are also underway to determine individual responsibility.
Dispute Over Custody of Suspects Triggers Clash
The confrontation began during an operation to arrest suspects allegedly involved in a short-term kidnapping-for-ransom network in Nazimabad.
District Central Police were conducting a raid when an SIU team led by Sub-Inspector Noorullah arrived at the location and sought custody of the same suspects. A disagreement reportedly developed over which team would take the accused into custody, eventually escalating into a physical altercation.
During the confrontation, DSP Minhaj-ul-Hasan of Shadman Town and Assistant Sub-Inspector Raheel Qureshi were allegedly assaulted. The situation reportedly escalated further outside Nazimabad Police Station, where SIU personnel allegedly detained a District Central Police mobile.
Journalist Kashif Hashmi was also reportedly assaulted while covering the incident. These allegations form part of the wider account of the confrontation and are subject to the relevant investigations.
Five Suspects Arrested in Kidnapping Case
Police officials said District Central Police had arrested five suspects allegedly linked to the short-term kidnapping gang. A police constable suspected of involvement in the group reportedly remained at large at the time of the report.
The inquiry recommended registering a criminal case against SIU personnel allegedly involved in the assault. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the decisions of the relevant authorities.
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Inquiry Highlights Coordination Issues Within Karachi Police
The incident has raised concerns about coordination between specialised investigation teams and district police units when they pursue the same suspects.
The suspensions represent an initial disciplinary response, while the ongoing departmental inquiry is expected to clarify the responsibility of the personnel and supervisory officers involved. The recommendation for criminal proceedings could also lead to further legal action.
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