Court clears Uzair Baloch in notorious kidnapping, murder case

KARACHI: A Karachi anti-terrorism court found Uzair Baloch and several co-defendants not guilty in a high-profile legal case.

The kidnapping and murder case involved four victims, including a police officer.

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The ruling represents a new turn in the case that has garnered huge media attention in recent years due to its ties to organised crime and gang-related violence in the country’s biggest city.

The case traces back to August 2010, when Baloch, along with associates Sikandar alis Siku, Sarwar Baloch and Akbar Baloch faced charges for the murders of police officers: Lala Amin, Sher Afzal Khan, and Ghazi Khan among others.

The incident is part of a larger trend of gang violence that has long afflicted Karachi.

Uzair Baloch is a well-known figure in Karachi’s criminal underbelly, with alleged ties and involvement in illicit activities, including extortion, drug trafficking and homicide.

He has been linked to the Lyari gang, which frequently engages in violent confrontations with rival gangs over territorial control and illegal activities.

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The Lyari gang has historically been connected to the socio-economic issues of the area. It is infamous for its ruthless methods and frequent clashes with law enforcers.