Man held for killing father over land dispute

Police say suspect demanded share of disputed land

SARAI MUGHAL:

A man was allegedly killed by his son over a land dispute in the Sarai Mughal area of Kasur district, police said on Wednesday.

Police claimed to have arrested the suspect. Police said the incident took place in the village of Oplan Wala, where the deceased, identified as Shahadat Ali, was attacked with a sharp-edged tool allegedly by his elder son, Owais.

Police said Shahadat Ali was an employee of the irrigation department and lived in the village with his family. He was the father of three sons and a daughter, while his sons were associated with farming.

Local residents said the deceased was known as a hardworking and supportive family member who also helped manage household affairs in addition to his government job.

According to investigators, Owais had been demanding his share of family land for a long time, while Shahadat Ali wanted to preserve the disputed property for the future needs of other sons and grandchildren.

Police said tensions between the father and son had persisted for months and frequently led to arguments within the family.

On the day of the incident, Owais was allegedly marking the disputed land with a farming tool when his father reached the spot and tried to stop him. An argument reportedly broke out between the two, after which the suspect allegedly attacked his father repeatedly.

Shahadat Ali sustained critical injuries and collapsed at the scene, while the suspect fled.

Family members and local residents shifted the injured man to the Rural Health Centre Halla, from where he was referred to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Pattoki due to his critical condition. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Following the incident, police registered a case on the complaint of the deceased's son, Shahid Ali, and launched an investigation.

Violent crimes over property disputes is not uncommon in Punjab. Earlier, in June 2025, a man was shot dead by his brother over a land dispute.

In the case, registered at Satyana Police Station, Abu Bakr, a resident of Chak 432 GB, reported that his father Muhammad Hanif was killed by his own brother, Muhammad Shoaib, following a dispute over the division of jointly-owned property.

According to the FIR, Hanif was returning home after offering prayers when Shoaib, armed with a 12-bore shotgun, allegedly ambushed him and opened fire.