KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah claimed on Friday that the knife attack suspect has been identified to be the same person who was responsible for similar attacks in Punjab’s Chichawatni area.
Similar attacks started erupting like wildfire in Chichawatni since 2013, he said. They went on for three years, until 2016, during which 50 women were injured, added CM Sindh.
The attacker has injured 15 women in over 11 days while he still remains uncovered; extra measures are being taken by the police to catch the accused through geo-fencing and probing the already arrested suspects.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has protested the series of similar attacks against women and girls with party members protesting in the National Assembly by walking out of the hall.
The incidents have left citizens with a serious question as to whether the attacks are being carried out by an individual or a group.
The attacker reportedly attacks with his left hand using a sharp object, wears a helmet and rides a red motorcycle. In an attempt to protect those within their boundaries, the University of Karachi has banned motorcyclists from wearing a helmet which has caused much of a hassle for students riding into the University.
Karachi Police has released pictures – screengrabs from the CCTV footage – of the suspect on Saturday night, where the assailant can be seen on a motorbike just moments before attacking one of the victims.
“The suspect appears to be a thin man, aged 20-29,” said DIG East Sultan Khawaja, adding that “he appears to be 5 feet, 7-9 inches tall,” usually riding a red motorcycle.
The incidents have sparked widespread fear and panic among the area’s residents, forcing women to take extra precautionary measures before leaving their homes.
“We have been directed to not leave our houses after Maghrib prayers,” explained a student from Karachi University.
This goes hand in hand with all other possible precautions they have been directed to take by police officers, including avoiding walks alone at night and staying out for long.
