Knife rampage on Peshawar Road injures six people

Islamabad : A violent knife rampage on Peshawar Road near several key locations, including the Motorway Staff area, Motorway Stop, Stop No. 26, and the Chungi Daewoo Bus Stand, has left at least six people injured. The Noon police have confirmed the incident and stated that nine alleged assailants have been apprehended, with a search underway for the suspected ringleader.

According to police reports, the attack within the jurisdiction of Police Station Noon at the Motorway Stop involved armed individuals identified as members of the ‘Afghan Multani group,’ including Naseer Afghani, Zabihullah Afghani, Mohib Afghani, Balu Afghani, and China Afghani, among others. These individuals reportedly used weapons and daggers to brutally injure citizens.

This incident has occurred against a backdrop of increasing concerns regarding unchecked extortion and armed assaults on citizens in the Peshawar Road and Sabzi Mandi areas. These attacks are allegedly being carried out by an organized gang or mafia, reportedly led by Murad Khan, active in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The escalating violence has prompted serious questions about the effectiveness of Islamabad’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), with at least one complaint reportedly filed by the department itself.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, allegations have surfaced suggesting that some police officials may be providing protection to the alleged mafia for undisclosed reasons. Specific claims include the involvement of a long-haired official posted at the Motorway Stop in alleged drug dealing, and an ASI officer reportedly making deals and providing protection to detained Afghans.

Further compounding the issue, a source at Haji Camp, where Afghan nationals are detained before repatriation, revealed that nine Afghans escaped custody during the previous Eidul Fitr, allegedly with the assistance of local police who have yet to re-arrest them. The source further claimed that police are providing assistance in exchange for significant extortion money, reportedly at least Rs20,000 per person.

Authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations of police complicity. The investigation into the knife rampage is ongoing, with efforts focused on apprehending the ringleader and further uncovering the extent of the alleged extortion network.