Two men were killed during an exchange of gunfire on Eidul Fitr in broad daylight.
A case has been filed against taxation officer Makhdoom Ghulam Qasim, his two sons, and an associate in response to a complaint lodged by Rizwan Khan Gadi at the Police Station City Kot Addu.
According to the FIR, Gadi recounted that while he was celebrating Eid at his in-laws' house, Ali Hamza Garmani and Ashfaq Hussain requested a ride to a location near City Marriage Hall.
As they passed Girls' College on their bikes, a white vehicle suddenly blocked their path, and individuals identified as Shahbaz Qasim alias Maga Makhdoom, Bilal Qasim alias Puma Makhdoom, and Saqib alias Jam Saqi emerged, opening fire on them. Asad Bilal, also known as Balu Briar and Ali Hamza lost their lives on the spot.
Prior to this incident, during a previous altercation, a member of the Makhdoom group, Kashif Maliha, had been injured by gunfire. Seeking revenge, the Makhdoom group allegedly orchestrated the attack.
Despite attempts at reconciliation between the two parties, it is alleged that Excise and Taxation Officer Makhdoom Ghulam Qasim provided his sons and an accomplice with a Kalashnikov, instructing them to locate and kill Asad Bilal alias Bilal Balo.
The double murder on Eidul Fitr has instilled fear and unease among the citizens of Kot Addu, highlighting concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the city.
Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Kot Addu and Provincial Assembly candidate, Furqan Asif Buzdar, has released an audio message condemning the incident, calling for swift justice and improved security measures.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2024.
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