In a disturbing incident that exposed security lapses at the City Courts, a man opened fire with a pistol at his ex-wife after the hearing of a child custody case. The victim, 26-year-old Saima Saithu, was rushed to Civil Hospital in critical condition.
Police immediately overpowered the suspect, Sikander, and seized the weapon used in the crime. Saima's father, Sub-Inspector Dadal Saithu, who had accompanied her to the court for the hearing, was also injured in the incident.
According to City Courts police station SHO Shahid Baloch, the shooting occurred after the court appearance when Saima and her ex-husband, Sikandar, emerged from the judge's chamber.
A heated argument ensued between them, escalating quickly as Sikandar unexpectedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire. Saima suffered a gunshot wound to her abdomen. Dadal tried to grab Sikandar but he hit him on the head with a chair.
Upon receiving reports of the shooting, the police and Rangers promptly arrived at the scene, arresting Sikandar and confiscating the weapon.
Saima obtained a divorce (Khula) from Sikandar four months ago. The arrested individual worked as a court bailiff in Islamabad.
The SHO expressed concern regarding how the accused managed to enter the court premises armed and assured that the CCTV footage from the court gate was being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2023.
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