Two killed, one survives targeted attack near Kharian

KHARIAN: Two men were killed and another escaped unhurt when unidentified gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on their moving car near a petrol station on the GT Road here on Thursday.

The incident took place near Al-Ghani Petroleum on the Kharian-Jhelum section of the GT Road when the three men were returning towards Jhelum after attending a court hearing, according to initial information.

Police said the victims had stopped at the petrol station to refuel before continuing their journey. The attackers allegedly followed or intercepted the car and opened fire at close range.

The two men sitting in the front seats were killed on the spot, while the third passenger, who was sitting in the rear seat, survived the attack.

The deceased were identified as 44-year-old Hasnain Sikandar, a resident of Waraichanwala, and 32-year-old Shehroz Razaq, a resident of Dandi Araiyan. The survivor was identified as 25-year-old Ahmer Zafar, also a resident of Dandi Araiyan.

According to the Rescue 1122 report, its personnel and police reached the spot after the incident. The bodies were shifted for medico-legal formalities while police started collecting evidence from the scene.

The manner of the attack, in which the assailants continued firing at the moving vehicle, has once again raised concerns over the ability of law-enforcement agencies to prevent targeted killings on major public roads in the district.

Police sources said the firing appeared to be linked to an existing dispute, but the exact motive would be established during investigation. No group or individual had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of filing this report.

District Police Officer Gujrat Faisal Shehzad has given the Kharian police circle 24 hours to arrest those involved in the double murder, according to police officials.

The incident comes at a challenging time for the new DPO, who has been facing a series of crime-related issues since assuming charge of the district. Residents have repeatedly expressed concern over killings, theft, robbery, sexual violence and other crimes in different parts of Gujrat district.

The case has also brought attention to the circumstances surrounding the deceased Hasnain Sikandar. According to police and other preliminary information, a murder case had been registered against him in 2018 and he had been appearing before a court in connection with the case. The nature and outcome of those proceedings, however, could not immediately be independently verified.

The latest killing has also renewed debate over the tendency of people involved in longstanding disputes to resort to violence instead of relying on the legal process.

If established, the use of armed force against people travelling on a public road would raise questions not only about policing but also about the effectiveness of mechanisms available for resolving criminal and personal disputes through lawful means.

Police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify the attackers. Further arrests and the motive behind the attack are awaited.