A clash between Chinese nationals and local security guards in Karachi’s industrial area resulted in gunshot injuries for two Chinese citizens.
The incident reportedly took place at Liberty Mills Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest textile manufacturing companies. The security guard involved, an employee of a private security firm contracted by Liberty Mills, allegedly opened fire following an argument.
Both injured individuals were taken to Liaquat National Hospital, where doctors are currently examining them. One of the injured is reported to be in critical condition and is receiving medical attention in the operating theater.
The circumstances of the confrontation remain unclear, prompting authorities to initiate a thorough investigation.
Profit sought details about the incident from company representatives, who denied police and Rangers’ involvement. However, an employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed Profit that police and Rangers had cordoned off the area, detaining everyone inside the Liberty Mills premises for questioning, with the office building secured since morning.
Liberty Mills, a prominent textile company, recently gained attention for expanding its business by acquiring substantial stakes in energy assets owned by Engro Energy Limited.
Sindh Interior Minister Zia Hassan Lanjhar has requested a detailed report from the DIG of South Karachi Police and instructed a thorough investigation to uncover further facts, along with an update on police action in the case. The minister also directed the arrest of the involved security guard and ordered an audit of companies providing security to foreign nationals, including Chinese experts and workers.
The provincial Interior Ministry has issued a statement emphasizing that only well-trained and fully fit security guards should be employed. Companies are also instructed to ensure physical and mental fitness tests for guards and to conduct audits of security companies. Furthermore, a crackdown will be initiated against unregistered and illegal security firms.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Liaquat National Hospital confirmed that the injured Chinese nationals have been shifted to the ICU. They have undergone CT scans and other tests, and a medical team is compiling reports on their condition. In the same area in 2021, an attack on a vehicle transporting Chinese engineers left one engineer injured after unidentified assailants opened fire.
