Google Maps route ends in tragedy

A businessman was shot dead in an armed attack in southwestern Pakistan while travelling home with his family to the port city of Karachi.

According to reports, Ali Jameel, who ran a mobile phone business in Karachi, had travelled to Quetta with his wife and two daughters. The incident took place in Dasht, Balochistan, on Friday.

While returning home, the family reportedly lost their way after being misdirected by a navigation app and strayed off the National Highway into the Kand area of Dasht, where unidentified armed men signalled them to stop. When Jameel did not comply, they opened fire, killing him on the spot and wounding his wife.

His two daughters, who were also in the vehicle, were unharmed.

Jameel's death left his injured wife and two daughters waiting for hours before emergency responders arrived.

Pictures of the distraught daughters went viral on social media, with multiple media reports saying the family had ended up in the area after following Google Maps.

The incident has also alarmed thousands of Google Maps users who rely on the navigation service. However, observers noted that while digital maps can guide users to their destination, they cannot guarantee their safety.

They advised travellers to verify that the routes suggested by navigation apps are safe before setting out on their journey.