MQM leader Abdul Rashid Godil shot in Karachi

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Abdul Rashid Godil was shot in the Bahadurabad area of the city on Tuesday.

Abdul Rashid Godil was shot six times in the chest, jaw and neck. The MQM leader underwent surgery and has been placed on a ventilator. He is currently being kept in the ICU.

Godil’s wife was in the car at the time of the attack but remained unhurt.

The MQM leader's driver who was injured in the attack succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.




Police said gunmen on two motorcycles fired with a 9MM pistols on the MQM leader’s vehicle. Initial reports indicate 7-8 people were involved in the attack. SSP East Javed Jaskani told media that the police were recording eye witness statements and had obtained the CCTV video of the attack site.

Abdul Rashid Godil was the MQM’s Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the National Assembly until the party tendered resignations last week.

Godil's medical condition

Health Minister Sindh Jam Mehtab Ali spoke to reporters outside the hospital and said Godil’s condition was stable and he was out of danger.




MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi condemned the attack calling it an incident of terrorism. “Doctors say the next 48 hours are critical for Rashid Godil.”

He added that a team of experts were treating Godil. “The bullet wounds to the jaw and neck are not life threatening, however, the shot to the chest has impacted his lungs.”

Altaf appeals for calm

MQM chief Altaf Hussain condemned the attack on Rashid Godil and appealed for people to remain calm and pray for his recovery.

Altaf also offered his condolence over the death of Godil’s driver in the attack.

Initial Report

Police have released the initial report which states that Godil was attacked on street no.3 of Bahadurabad. Eight 9 MM bullet casings have also been found at the site and have been sent for forensic testing.

The MQM leader had left his house along with his wife and driver when he was attacked.

An investigation team led by DIG East has been formed to probe the attack.

Rangers start investigation

The Pakistan Rangers Sindh has strongly condemned the attack on Godil. A spokesman for the Rangers said the paramilitary force pray for speedy recovery of Rashid Godil.

The Rangers have started investigations from different aspects and would soon bring the attackers to justice, he said.

The spokesman also appealed to the citizens of Karachi to contact the Rangers on help line 1101 if they do have any information regarding the firing incident.

Political leaders condemn attack

The attack was condemned by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah. According to the CM House spokesman the chief minister spoke with the IGP and directed him to submit an immediate report. The chief minister also prayed for the swift recovery of Godil.

Other leaders who condemned the attack include former president Asif Zardari, AML chief Sheikh Rasheed, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, PPP Patron-in-Chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, JI Chief Siraj-ul-Haq, Governor Punjab Rafique Rajwana, PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq, PPP leader Aitzaz Ahsan, Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani and ANP leader Shahi Syed.

Addressing a press conference alongside JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, MQM leader Farooq Sattar condemned the attack on Rashid Godil. Terming the attack as an attempt to sabotage peace in Karachi, Sattar added that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the assassination attempt on Rashid Godil terming it a bid aimed at sabotaging the negotiations.

Fazlur Rehman prayed for the recovery of Rashid Godil, who sustained multiple bullet wounds in an attack that took place in broad day light in Bahadurabad area of the city.

The attack was also strongly condemned by PTI chairman Imran Khan who said he was praying for his life. “LEAs must catch and expose the perpetrators speedily,” Khan tweeted.