KARACHI: An Afghan diplomat was killed in firing by a security guard inside the Afghanistan Consulate in Karachi, spokesperson of the consulate Haris Khan has confirmed.
Diplomat Muhammad Zaki — posted as third secretary at the consulate — was gunned down by the guard over ‘confrontation’. Security guard identified as Inayat has been arrested.
In his initial statement, the guard told police “I shot him to death because of his ‘compulsive misbehaviour’ with me”.
A spokesman of the Afghan Consulate in Pakistan stated that the guard — deployed inside the premises — opened fire at the diplomat.
The consulate is located in Karachi’s upscale Clifton neighbourhood. The missions of Indonesia, the United Kingdom and France are nearby.
The spokesman also said that they were working inside the consulate when the deadly incident occurred.
Twenty-five SMG bullet shells have been found from the crime scene which has been shifted to forensics laboratory. A formal investigation has also been launched.
Police dismissed reports of attack on the consulate or any foul play. Consulate’s spokesperson said a statement in this regard would be issued shortly.
Earlier after the gunshots were heard, paramilitary Rangers and a heavy police contingent surrounded the consulate immediately amid fears of a possible extremist assault.
A strategic operation in the city by security forces in recent years has brought a lull in violence, but scattered attacks still take place.
