Eloped couple shot dead in sleep

Man feigns forgiveness, visits couple, kills daughter, son-in-law and flees

KARACHI:

A young couple was shot dead in yet another honour killing in Machar Colony late Tuesday night, police said on Wednesday.

Zainab, 21, and her 23-year-old husband Atiq had contracted a love marriage in Peshawar against the will of their families and later fled to Karachi fearing for their lives, police said.

The couple was allegedly shot dead by Zainab’s father inside their home near Ayesha Primary School at Mauripur Chowk, within the jurisdiction of the Docks police station.

Police said Zainab had remained in contact with her father after moving to Karachi, and he arrived at the couple’s residence three days before the killing.

On Tuesday night, the couple and Zainab’s father went to sleep in the house. However, he allegedly woke up during the night and shot his daughter and son-in-law before fleeing the scene.

According to preliminary reports, Atiq was killed on the spot, while Zainab sustained critical injuries. Both were rushed to Civil Hospital, where Zainab later succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

Police recovered four spent 9mm shells from the crime scene, which were sent for forensic analysis. Surveillance has been stepped up at bus terminals and railway stations amid fears that the suspect may attempt to flee to Peshawar.

Hospital sources said Zainab had sustained three bullet wounds to her face and head. After medico-legal formalities, the bodies were shifted to a Chhipa morgue. Police said a case has been registered and a manhunt is under way for the suspect.