Discover the real history of Operation Lyari, the brutal conflict between Uzair Baloch, Baba Ladla, and the Karachi Police. Explore the rise of the Ly
For years, the winding alleys of Lyari in Karachi were known for two things: football and bullets. Often called the "Colombia of Karachi," this neighborhood became ground zero for one of Pakistan’s most violent chapters—the Lyari Gang War.
With recent interest spiking due to upcoming Bollywood adaptations (like Dhurandhar), the world is looking back at the bloody siege of 2012 and the paramilitary crackdown that followed. Here is the complete timeline of the rise and fall of the Lyari warlords.
The Origins: How the Lyari Gang War Started
The conflict didn't start with politics; it started with drugs. In the 1990s, Lyari was a hub for hashish and heroin trafficking. The trade was controlled by two partners turned rivals: Haji Lalu and Dadal Baloch.
When a dispute over ransom money split the group, two rival factions emerged:
* The Arshad Pappu Gang (Son of Haji Lalu)
* The Rehman Dakait Gang (Son of Dadal Baloch)
This turf war laid the foundation for decades of bloodshed. However, the game changed in 2008 with the formation of the Peoples Aman Committee (PAC). Led by the charismatic Rehman Dakait, the PAC mixed organized crime with community welfare, allegedly backed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to secure political dominance in the area.
The Turning Point: Uzair Baloch Takes the Throne
In 2009, Rehman Dakait was killed in a controversial encounter by SP Chaudhary Aslam, known as "Pakistan’s Dirty Harry."
His death created a power vacuum filled by his cousin, Uzair Baloch. Under Uzair, the PAC became a parallel government. They collected "bhatta" (extortion), ran torture cells, and engaged in open warfare with rival political parties like the MQM. Uzair appointed Baba Ladla as his chief commander, and together they turned Lyari into a fortress.
The Siege of 2012: The Failed "Operation Lyari"
When people search for "Operation Lyari," they are usually referring to the failed police offensive of April 2012.
By this time, Uzair Baloch had become a liability to his political patrons. The government ordered the police, led by Chaudhary Aslam, to "clean up" Lyari. The operation lasted eight days (April 27 – May 5) and was a disaster for law enforcement.
* The Resistance: Police APCs were met with Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and anti-aircraft fire from gang hideouts.
* The Outcome: The police failed to enter the core areas. Over 30 people were killed.
* The Surrender: The government was forced to call off the operation and negotiate a truce, effectively handing victory to the gangs.
The Implosion: Uzair Baloch vs. Baba Ladla
The truce didn't last. In 2013, a dispute over money caused a deadly split between Uzair Baloch and Baba Ladla.
The internal war was savage. The most gruesome incident involved the murder of rival gangster Arshad Pappu in 2013. He was captured, tortured, and beheaded by Uzair’s men, who reportedly played football with his severed head—a story that terrified the entire city.
The End Game: The Rangers Operation (2013–2017)
The violence forced the Federal Government to intervene. In September 2013, a targeted operation led by the Pakistan Rangers began. Unlike the local police, the Rangers had special powers and military-grade equipment.
* Chaudhary Aslam Assassinated: In Jan 2014, the brave police officer was killed in a Taliban suicide blast, allegedly tipped off by gang insiders.
* Uzair Baloch Arrested: He fled to Dubai but was arrested by Interpol in 2016. He was later sentenced to death by a military court for espionage.
* Baba Ladla Killed: The feared commander was shot dead in a Rangers encounter in February 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the movie 'Dhurandhar' based on a true story?
A: Reports suggest the film is inspired by the events of the Lyari Gang War, specifically the conflict involving Uzair Baloch and the 2012 police operation.
Q: Who won the Lyari Gang War?
A: Ultimately, the Pakistan Rangers dismantled the gangs. The internal fighting between Uzair Baloch and Baba Ladla weakened them significantly, allowing the paramilitary forces to take control.
Q: Is Lyari safe now?
A: Yes, compared to the 2008-2014 era, Lyari is much safer. The "No-Go Areas" have been cleared, though underlying social issues remain.
Category: Crime History / International Affairs
Keywords: Operation Lyari history, Lyari Gang War, Uzair Baloch real story, Baba Ladla death, Karachi Rangers operation, Chaudhary Aslam, Dhurandhar movie real story
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