Armed conflict leaves three injured in Rawalpindi

Confrontation stemmed from ongoing conflict between two groups, escalating following Friday prayers

RAWALPINDI:

As many as three individuals sustained injuries during an armed clash between two groups over a land dispute In the Kot Jabi area of Sadar Baruni police station.

The confrontation stemmed from an ongoing conflict between the two groups, escalating following Friday prayers.

The injured were identified as Haroon, Shahnawaz and Mehad Abbasi. Residents promptly shifted the injured to Benazir Bhutto Hospital. Preliminary investigation revealed the altercation and shooting involved members of the Arshad and Safdar groups, long-standing adversaries with a history of land-related conflicts.

Law enforcement officers responded to the incident, initiating a search for the perpetrators, though no arrests have been made thus far.

Witnesses reported the use of sophisticated firearms during the shootout, causing widespread panic and confining citizens to their homes. The exchange of gunfire persisted for approximately 30 minutes, intensifying tensions in the area.

SSP Operations Hafiz Kamran Asghar confirmed the filing of a case at Sadar Baruni police station and assured the public that efforts were underway to apprehend individuals from both groups involved. He emphasised a commitment to upholding the rule of law and preventing vigilantism.