Young doctor shot dead in Karachi bank robbery

KARACHI: A 28-year-old doctor was killed in a shooting during a daylight bank robbery outside a private bank in Karachi’s Clifton area, where armed robbers escaped with Rs2.5 million in cash, police said Monday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Mahzoor Ali said the victim, identified as Dr. Akash, had withdrawn Rs5 million with his father and an associate from a private bank near Teen Talwar. The group was on its way to deposit the money at another bank in the Boat Basin area when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle outside the bank.

Police said a security guard opened fire on the robbers, who returned fire during the exchange. Dr. Akash was fatally struck in the crossfire, while the suspects escaped with one of the two cash bags containing Rs2.5 million. The security guard has been taken into custody as part of the investigation.

The administration of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre mourned the death of Dr. Akash, describing him as a dedicated, hardworking and highly committed house officer. A hospital spokesperson said he had recently been selected as a Medical Officer through the latest commission examination and was awaiting a posting at JPMC.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the killing and ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible. He directed Karachi’s additional inspector general of police to submit a detailed investigation report and ensure the swift apprehension of the suspects.

“There will be no compromise on law and order,” Murad Ali Shah said, instructing police to intensify efforts against street crime and armed robberies while expressing condolences to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association condemned the killing, calling it evidence of the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. The association said the loss of the young doctor was not only a tragedy for his family but also a significant loss for Pakistan’s medical community.