Uzair Baloch
Uzair Jan Baloch (Urdu/Balochi: عزیر جان بلوچ) is a Pakistani gangster and former crime lord originally from Karachi, Pakistan. He was a key figurehead of Karachi underworld and notorious gang war in his hometown, Lyari, at his peak around 2012. Baloch is accused in various cases involving murder, extortion, drug trafficking, terrorism, and after being arrested many times, became a fugitive wanted by law enforcement agencies. Due to his influential ties, it is alleged that Baloch enjoyed political patronage and was "protected" by the ruling PPP from facing charges but was eventually nabbed after intervention of federal authorities. Baloch denies all the charges against him and says they are "politically motivated". He is also the former chief of the Peoples Aman Committee, which was a militant group linked to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Uzair Baloch | |
|---|---|
| Born | Uzair Ali 11 January 1970 |
| Nationality | Pakistani Iranian |
| Occupation | Crime lord |
| Years active | 2001–2015 |
| Organization | Peoples' Aman Committee |
| Opponents |
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| Criminal status | Incarcerated at Karachi Central Jail |
| Spouse | Samina Uzair |
| Parent(s) | Faiz Mohammad Baloch (father); (deceased) |
| Criminal charge | |
Reward amount | Pakistan: Rs. 2 million (US$6,900) |
Capture status | 1st capture: 2003 2nd capture: 2009 3rd capture: 2016 |
Wanted by | A.G. |
| Wanted since | 2003 |
In September 2013, Baloch fled to Chabahar, Iran, after the Sindh Rangers launched a crackdown in Karachi against elements of organised crime. A dual Iranian citizen, where he was contacted by Iran's VAJA, to provide information on Pakistan's security apparatus and the political situation in Karachi. He moved onwards to Oman and in December 2015, he was arrested by the Interpol in Dubai while still in hiding.
Uzair then reappeared in Karachi, only to be arrested by the Rangers during a targeted operation. That same year, the Supreme Court of Pakistan took suo moto notice of his involvement in the murder of gangster Arshad Pappu, bringing his activities into attention.