Father, son shot dead over livestock dispute

RAWALPINDI: Police have registered a murder case after a father and son were shot dead within the limits of Gujar Khan Police Station, with investigators linking the attack to a dispute over tying livestock in a haveli.

According to the First Information Report, the case was lodged on the complaint of Muhammad Munir, the brother of one of the deceased. The FIR names Master Atif as the main suspect and also nominates his brother, Mudassar Rafiq, under charges of murder and abetment.

In his statement to police, Munir said his nephew, Musaddiq Hussain, had gone out to buy cigarettes and other items for his father. He told the family on his return that Master Atif had stopped him on the way and threatened them, asking why they were still tying their livestock in a haveli belonging to his cousin Javed despite earlier warnings not to do so.

Munir told police that after this, his brother Arshad Mehmood and Arshad's son Musaddiq went to confront Master Atif about the threats, while other relatives followed them. According to the complainant, Master Atif pulled out a pistol and opened fire as soon as Arshad Mehmood began speaking. Arshad Mehmood and Musaddiq suffered critical gunshot wounds and died at the scene, while the attacker fled on a motorcycle.

Police said the killings were driven by an ongoing dispute over livestock being kept in the haveli. The complainant stated that the property had been given to the victims by Javed, while the FIR alleges that the murders were carried out by Master Atif at the instigation of his brother Mudassar Rafiq because of resentment over the use of the property.

The double killing prompted Punjab Inspector General of Police to take notice of the case. The IG sought a report from the Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer and directed Rawalpindi City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera to ensure the early arrest of those involved.

Police said raids were continuing to apprehend the accused, who remained at large despite the directives. Officials said efforts were under way to arrest the main suspect and expressed confidence that he would be taken into custody soon.