A man was killed and his brother critically injured after his wife’s family reportedly opened fire on him for marrying the girl without their consent. The incident occurred in Khanewal’s suburban area, specifically in Chak 88.
According to police, the deceased, identified as Shahid, had married Ayesha, a resident of Shorkot, about a month and a half ago. The couple had been hiding in Khanewal’s outskirts due to fears of retaliation from the woman’s family.
Police said both Shahid and Ayesha were from Shorkot, adding that Shahid was already married and a father of three children.
Authorities revealed that before the shooting, a panchayat (local council) meeting had been held at the house of Iftikhar Arain. During the meeting, it was decided that Shahid would divorce Ayesha, and in exchange, Ayesha’s brother would divorce Shahid’s 13-year-old sister.
Shahid’s uncle told reporters that under pressure from the panchayat, the young girl had been married to Ayesha’s underage brother. However, as Shahid, his wife Ayesha, and his brother were returning home from the meeting, Ayesha’s brothers allegedly opened fire on them.
Police said Shahid died on the spot, while his brother sustained serious injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital.
The Khanewal District Police Officer (DPO) stated that special teams have been formed to trace and arrest the suspects involved in the attack, assuring that they will be brought to justice soon.