Multan murder case: Suspect remains at large, mother in-law fights for life

Police officials said raids had been conducted at several locations in Multan and Rawalpindi as investigators stepped up efforts to trace the suspect, identified

LAHORE: Nearly 48 hours after a deadly shooting in Multan, the man accused of killing his wife and seriously injuring her mother remains at large, while the condition of the wounded woman has continued to be described as critical.

Police officials said raids had been conducted at several locations in Multan and Rawalpindi as investigators stepped up efforts to trace the suspect, identified as Naeem alias Mohammad Rahim. Authorities said the accused does not have a permanent residence and is believed to be moving between acquaintances’ houses.

Multan City Police Officer Sadiq Ali Dogar said law-enforcement agencies were monitoring possible escape routes and working to locate the suspect. Police have also obtained his phone records as part of efforts to determine his movements and identify possible hideouts.

The incident reportedly took place in broad daylight near Grid Station on Vehari Road, where CCTV footage allegedly captured the suspect arriving on the pretext of collecting his child. An argument reportedly followed, after which gunfire erupted. Amna Bibi, 28, sustained fatal gunshot wounds, while her mother, Abida Bibi, 52, was also shot and seriously injured.

Abida Bibi remains under treatment in the intensive care unit of Nishtar Hospital. Hospital sources said she suffered two gunshot wounds around the abdomen and remains in a critical but stable condition. Family members said she has undergone two surgeries and continues to require intensive medical care.

Meanwhile, Amna Bibi was buried in her ancestral graveyard in the Khawaja Gharib Nawaz area on Wednesday evening. Her family had reportedly been pursuing a khula case in Multan Family Court, which remained pending at the time of her death.

Police have registered a case at Seetal Mari Police Station under Sections 302, 324 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to murder, attempted murder and abetment. The deceased woman’s brother is the complainant in the case.

According to police, the alleged background to the dispute included domestic disagreements, financial difficulties and the pending separation proceedings. Officials also said the woman’s in-laws had previously sent the accused to Saudi Arabia at their own expense, but disputes reportedly resumed after his return.

Investigators are treating the CCTV footage and other available evidence as key components of the probe. Police officials have maintained that efforts to arrest the suspect are continuing and that all available resources are being used to trace him.

The case has drawn public attention as the family awaits the arrest of the accused and protection for the surviving victim. The accused remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court.