KARACHI: A Rangers ofñcial and a passerby were shot at and wounded by alleged robbers in Gulistan-i-Jauhar on Wednesday evening as the suspects became jittery on seeing the paramilitary force personnel, police said.

They added that three Rangers personnel Inspector Zahir Shah, Subinspector Ashig and Naik Rasheed were passing through Munawwar Chowrangi in Gulistan-iJauhar in a van when they saw two suspects allegedly engaged in street crime there.

Apparently, the suspects became jittery when they saw an SMG in the vehicle, said Gulshan-iIqbal SP Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto.

The suspects opened fire on them, woundingRasheed, added Mr Bhutto.

The suspected robbers while fleeing also resorted to firing, injuring a passerby identiñed as Mukhtiar. The assailants escaped leaving behind their motorbike, which was seized by the police for investigation.

Rangers Naik Rasheed was critically wounded and taken to the Liaquat National Hospital for treatment, said the SSP.

A Rangers spokesperson clariñed that the personnel were travelling in civilian dress.

Based on evidence obtained from the crime scene, the police and Rangers have launched a joint operation in the area, added the Rangers official.

Meanwhile, Sindh inspector general of police A.D. Khowaja took notice of the incident and sought a detailed inquiry report from the SSP East.