KARACHI: Gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire at a biryani restaurant in Karachi’s Mehmoodabad neighbourhood, shattering windows and sending families scrambling for safety.
No casualties were reported, although bullets damaged doors and windows, including those of the restaurant’s first-floor family hall.
Women, children and other diners reportedly dropped to the floor to protect themselves as shots struck the building.
The attackers escaped after the shooting, which caused panic inside the restaurant and in the surrounding area.
Family Hall Hit During Busy Dining Hours
Restaurant owner Khalid told Express News that masked attackers wearing helmets approached on a motorcycle and fired a burst from a Kalashnikov towards the upstairs family hall.
He said Saturdays usually bring a larger number of families to the restaurant. Those present during the attack escaped injury, despite bullets breaking the hall’s glass windows.
According to the report, bullet marks were also found elsewhere on the premises. Residents described intense firing, with the sound of gunshots echoing across the neighbourhood.
The account suggests that diners had little time to react before taking cover. However, the supplied report did not specify how many customers or staff members were inside when the attackers opened fire.
Owner Reveals Earlier Extortion Call
Khalid said he had received an extortion call from a Malaysian telephone number approximately one to one-and-a-half years earlier.
However, he said he did not know why his restaurant had now been targeted. He suspected the shooting could have been intended to frighten or threaten him, while stressing that an investigation would establish further details.
The earlier demand remains part of the owner’s account. The supplied report does not establish a confirmed connection between that call and the latest attack, and the motive remains unclear.
CCTV footage described in the report shows two helmeted suspects stopping their motorcycle outside the restaurant. One is seen firing a Kalashnikov while the other controls the motorcycle.
The gunman reportedly continues shooting as his accomplice drives away. People can also be seen running for safety during the attack.
Police personnel reached the scene after receiving information about the incident and questioned the restaurant owner and employees.
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The supplied account includes no announcement of arrests or a confirmed motive.
