KARACHI, March 2: An activist of Tehrik-i-Jafria Pakistan (TJP) was shot dead in Orangi Extension on Friday night. The police claimed to have arrested two activists of Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan on the spot for the killing.

Eyewitnesses said some armed men fired at Zahid Hussain at the Haider Chowk in sector 11 1/2. He died. As the assailants attempted to flee, people tried to nab them. The assailants opened fire again, leaving an unidentified person injured. However, they were caught and handed over to the police.

Haji Sadiq, the acting SSP of West, told Dawn that Zahid Hussain, 24, was sitting at a barber's shop when someone called him out. As he came out of the shop, he was shot dead. Two SSP members, Tariq and Waseem, were arrested, the SSP said, adding that Waseem was injured and taken to a hospital.

The deputy commissioner of West, Roshan Shaikh, told Dawn that Tariq, Waseem and an unknown man dragged Zahid Hussain out of the barber's shop in Warsia Colony near the Nishan-i-Haider Chowk and shot him dead. Then they hijacked a Suzuki car to escape.

The DC said that an armoured personnel carrier tried to stop the car which ensued an exchange of fire. As a result, Waseem suffered a bullet wound. Tariq was head-constable in the communication section of the police and posted at New Town. One of their accomplices escaped.

The body and the wounded were taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

The locality became tense later. The police and the law enforcement agencies were deployed there to maintain peace.

Security was also deployed at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where the people had gathered and got provoked over the killing.