Prisoner dies after targeted attack outside court

A murder suspect was shot and killed in a targeted attack outside the court premises while being transferred back to jail following a hearing.

The suspect, Muhammad Boota, later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The attack also left a police constable and three other detainees injured.

The shooter, identified as Shahid Khan, was apprehended by police after sustaining injuries in a retaliatory exchange of fire, while his accomplice managed to escape.

The incident occurred when Muhammad Boota, along with other detainees—Nauman Asghar, Muhammad Shafiq, and Shahzad - was being escorted by police back to the district jail in a prison van.

As they exited the courthouse, Shahid Khan, a resident of Mastan Shah, opened fire, specifically targeting Boota.

The gunfire also injured the other detainees and a police constable, Tariq.

Police responded immediately, firing back and wounding the attacker, who was later taken into custody. The injured, including the detainees and constable, were rushed to Sheikh Zaid Hospital for medical treatment.

Muhammad Boota, the primary target of the attack, died from his injuries at the hospital. The other injured detainees and Constable Tariq are reported to be out of danger, while Shahid Khan, the assailant, remains in critical condition under police custody.

SP Headquarters Nasir Javed Rana, who visited the injured constable at the hospital, held a media briefing, confirming that the arrested target killer would face justice.

He commended the police for their swift action in neutralising the threat and capturing the attacker.

Boota had been imprisoned for the murder of a local trader, Salman Mehr, whom he killed over a financial dispute.

Boota had dumped the trader's body in a canal, and a case had been registered against him at Minthar Police Station. Boota's court trial was ongoing at the time of the attack.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to track down the accomplice who escaped.