Five killed, 10 hurt in ambush triggered by family feud
Five people were shot dead and 10 others injured in Sargodha on Tuesday after gunmen ambushed a car near Sabharwal Adda Aziz Bhatti Town on the Sargodha-Khushab Road on Thursday.
The attack is reportedly linked to a long-standing family feud.
The eyewitnesses said the assailants had been waiting for over an hour for the victims, who were returning to their village after a court appearance.
Armed with modern weapons, the attackers fired indiscriminately at the vehicle, killing three occupants and one passer-by.
The heavy gunfire injured 10 bystanders, five of whom remain in critical condition.
The deceased were identified as Muhammad Shafi (34), Fazlur Rehman (44), Zaheer Abbas (45), and Abdul Sattar (30).
Among the injured were Javed, Muhammad Ramzan, Usman, Zafar Abbas, and Shahbaz. The injured were rushed to DHQ Teaching Hospital by rescue teams.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken immediate notice of the incident, seeking a detailed report from IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar.
The CM also directed authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured and expedite the arrest of the perpetrators.
Police investigations revealed that the incident was the latest in a series of violent episodes stemming from a prolonged enmity between the victims' family and their rivals.
DPO Sargodha Dr Asad Malhi stated that the suspects fled to their village after the attack, firing celebratory shots in the air before escaping.
The aftermath of the attack caused a significant disruption, with traffic on the Sargodha-Khushab Road suspended for over an hour.
Forensic teams collected evidence from the scene, and a large police contingent, led by DPO Malhi, initiated a blockade to apprehend the suspects.
In response to negligence, SHO Abdul Majeed of Jhal Chakian police station has been replaced by Malik Sarfraz Ahmed Datwana.
Special police teams have been formed to track down and arrest the accused.
Rescue sources reported continuous gunfire for five minutes during the ambush.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, reiterating her commitment to justice, emphasised the need for swift action to ensure public safety and prevent further violence in the region.