Six killed, five injured in separate gun battles

Islamabad:In a tragic escalation of violence, six people were killed and five others were injured in two separate shooting incidents in Islamabad and Gujar Khan.

The first incident occurred in a private housing society, where a man named Shehzad, accompanied by his accomplices, opened fire at the house of Naveed due to a personal dispute. According to reports, Shehzad’s sister had eloped with Naveed, leading to a deadly confrontation. During the exchange of gunfire, Shehzad’s firing resulted in the deaths of two individuals, while Naveed’s retaliatory fire claimed the life of one person. Three others sustained injuries. Upon receiving information, the Station House Officer (SHO) and senior police officers arrived at the scene, secured the crime site, and transported the deceased bodies to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for post-mortem examination. Legal proceedings have been initiated in accordance with the law.

In a separate incident, a violent confrontation between two rival groups in the jurisdiction of Gujar Khan Police Station resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to three others. The incident took place in the Dora Budhal area, where a long-standing feud erupted into a deadly shootout. The deceased have been identified as Shahzaib, aged 22/23 years, and Ihtisham, aged 32/33 years.

According to initial reports, the dispute originated from a minor altercation a week ago, which was seemingly resolved through reconciliation by local elders. However, tensions resurfaced when members of both groups crossed paths again, leading to an armed confrontation that claimed lives and devastated families.

Meanwhile, the rising incidents of violence, theft, and robbery in Islamabad have sparked concern among residents. Citizens have expressed alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation, with many attributing it to ineffective policing strategies. A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that Islamabad police personnel are under severe mental stress, which is further exacerbating their challenges in crime control. He urged Inspector General (IG) Islamabad to prioritize the welfare of police personnel to restore law and order in the city.