11-year-old shoots minor friend

Police pursue leads on possible theft, unidentified gun supplier

BAHAWALPUR:

An 11-year-old boy shot and killed a 7-year-old boy in the Khairpur Tamewali area of Bahawalpur on Thursday.

The pistol used in the incident was reportedly given to the child by an unidentified person, whom the police have not yet located.

Police said the incident occurred while the two children, 11-year-old Qamar and 7-year-old Bilal, were playing.

During their play, Qamar pulled out a loaded pistol hidden in his trousers and shot Bilal in the head, killing him instantly.

The scene drew immediate attention from bystanders who apprehended Qamar and confiscated the pistol. When questioned, Qamar, who comes from a poor family and works in people’s homes, claimed that an unknown person had given him the gun.

Police arrived at the scene, took possession of Bilal's body, and arrested Qamar.

An investigation has been launched, but the authorities have yet to identify the individual who supplied the firearm.

A spokesperson for the district police assured the public that efforts are ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident. Meanwhile, the community is gripped with fear and outrage, demanding swift action against the person responsible for providing a loaded gun to a child.

In a related development, the district police spokesperson disclosed that it has emerged Qamar might have stolen the pistol from the home of a doctor he worked for in Khairpur Tamewali. However, this information is still under verification.

The spokesperson confirmed that Qamar would be presented in court today along with the charge sheet.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2024.