Double murder linked to livestock dispute

Police have registered a murder case in connection with the killing of a father and son in the limits of Gujar Khan Police Station, with investigators saying the attack stemmed from a dispute over tying livestock in a haveli (courtyard).

Despite directives from the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab to ensure the swift arrest of those involved, the suspects remained at large as police continued raids to apprehend them.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), registered on the complaint of the deceased's brother, Muhammad Munir, the case has been lodged against the main suspect, identified as Master Atif, and his brother under charges of murder and abetment.

In his statement to police, Munir said his nephew, Musaddiq Hussain, had gone to purchase cigarettes and other items for his father. On his return, Musaddiq informed the family that Master Atif had stopped him on the way and threatened them, asking why they continued to tie their livestock in a haveli belonging to his cousin, Javed, despite being warned not to do so.

Following the incident, Munir said his brother, Arshad Mehmood, accompanied by his son Musaddiq, went to confront Master Atif over the threats. Other family members followed them.

According to the complainant, as soon as Arshad Mehmood began speaking, Master Atif allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire. Arshad Mehmood and Musaddiq sustained critical gunshot wounds and died at the scene, while the suspect fled on a motorcycle after the attack.

Police said the motive behind the killings was an ongoing dispute over livestock being kept in the haveli, which, according to the complainant, had been provided to the victims by Javed. The FIR alleges that Master Atif carried out the murders at the instigation of his brother, Mudassar Rafiq, over resentment regarding the use of the property.

Police said a case has been registered and raids are underway to arrest the accused.

The double murder prompted the Inspector General of Punjab Police to take notice of the incident. The IG sought a report from the Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer (RPO) and directed Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera to ensure the early arrest of the suspects.

Officials said efforts are continuing to apprehend the main accused and expressed confidence that he would be arrested soon.