Violence spree in Mianwali sparks concerns

At least 47 lives lost in feuds and revenge attacks

MIANWALI:

The ongoing wave of violence in Mianwali and its surrounding areas shows no signs of abating.

Reports indicate that sometimes one, sometimes two, and occasionally even three people are being killed daily in regions including Kundian, Piplan, Chakok, Daud Khel, Mochh, and Isa Khel. Over the past six months, more than 47 murders have occurred in these areas, according to cautious estimates.

These incidents stem from various causes, including personal enmities, disputes related to social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, and long-standing feuds.

The situation has led Zubair Awan Advocate to urge the Inspector General of Punjab, the Regional Police Officer of Sargodha, and the District Police Officer to conduct daily search operations in every house, city, and village.

He argues that such measures could result in the recovery of thousands of unlicensed weapons, which could help curb the killings.

Awan also highlighted the issue of bail being granted shortly after the recovery of illegal weapons, stressing the need for stricter legislation. He called for comprehensive investigations and the preparation of complete charge sheets to ensure that courts sentence criminals to the full 25 years mandated by law. He also emphasised the importance of implementing the Qisas law, which mandates compensation from criminals to be paid to victims' families.

Lifting the ban on executions is seen as crucial to ensuring murderers serve their full sentences and provide restitution.

Social worker Nadeem Chaudhry has pointed to social media as a significant factor in the daily killings in Mianwali.

He advocates for stringent action against those who post stories and statuses about murderers and their victims, arguing that such posts glorify the perpetrators and exacerbate tensions.

Chaudhry believes these actions serve to fuel ongoing feuds, leading to further violence. He stressed that until actions are taken against those who incite enmity through social media, the cycle of violence is unlikely to cease.

The calls for action from both legal and social perspectives underscore the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to address the escalating violence in Mianwali.