BAHAWALPUR; A grocery shopkeeper was gunned down and two others injured by robbers on resistance on Saturday in Ali Town in Burewala city police precincts.

Reports said Khizer Hayat, the owner of a grocery shop, was allegedly shot dead while two others, Imran and Khizer Hussain, sustained serious injuries after resisting unidentified dacoits. The robbers looted the shop and fled the scene.

According to police sources, after learning about the incident, local residents blocked Luddan Road, set tyres on fire and demanded the immediate arrest of the killers.

The protesters claimed this was the third dacoity at their store, and despite the registration of previous cases, the police had failed to arrest the culprits. The deceased and the injured were shifted to the hospital.

In a separate incident, two armed men attempted to rob the family of Obaidullah, a Denmark-returned resident, after breaking into his house at Iftar time in Model Town A, within the jurisdiction of the Khanewal City Police Station.

During the robbery attempt, Obaidullah was injured when a dacoit’s rifle accidentally went off. Upon hearing the family’s screams, neighbours rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee. Model Town police have registered a case against the unidentified dacoits.

PO HELD: Muzaffarabad police in Multan district claimed to have arrested a proclaimed offender, Junaid Ansari, in an ‘encounter’ at Pul Jhakri on Saturday.

Police said during night patrolling, a team signalled two suspects travelling on a motorcycle. On seeing the police, the motorcyclists allegedly opened fire. Police claimed that during a shoot-out Juaid was injured by the firing of his own fleeing accomplice.

The PO was arrested while his accomplice managed to flee and a case against him was registered. The arrested Junaid was identified as A category PO who was wanted by police.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2025