In the district, there have been five incidents of firing outside district courts during the past six months, bringing security arrangements made by the police into question.

On Wednesday, the accused in a murder case was allegedly shot and killed by his opponent outside the court as he was coming out of his hearing. A police constable was critically injured during the shooting and panic spread through the area. Police officers reached the scene as soon they received reports about the incident, while the relatives of the deceased staged a protest by blocking the road at Allied Morr.

Police said 33-year-old Saddam Hussain was exiting the court of civil judge Shabbir Hussain Mohal facing a murder case registered in Madina Town police station under section 302 PPC. Sub Inspector Aslam, ASI Shahzad, Hawaldar Shakeel, constables Owais, Adnan, Zafar, Shahid, Ahmed Ali, Shakeel and Zubair were bringing him from Adiala Jail to his court appearance.

When the victim exited the court, his opponent Asghar Ali opened fire on Saddam, which also hit Constable Ahmed Ali. Saddam sustained bullet wounds in his stomach, to which he succumbed at Allied Hospital during treatment. Police constable Ahmed Ali sustained injuries in his shoulder, back and stomach, though his condition is said to be stable.

After the shooting, panic spread and a stampede occurred in the area. Police immediately arrested Asghar and recovered his weapon. SP Madina Town Hafiz Kamran Asghar reached the site with other police officials, who started an investigation after collecting evidence from the crime scene.

On the other hand, Saddam’s relatives staged a protest outside the Mortuary Unit of Allied Hospital and blocked the road. Following negotiations, police dispersed the crowd.

According to sources, there was an old enmity between the killer and deceased, both of whom were wanted in murder cases registered in Dijkot police station and Saddar police station. This is the most recent incident of a courthouse shooting in the district

According to police sources, four months ago, a police constable allegedly shot and killed his opponents outside the Sessions court situated in the Civil Lines police station area.

Similarly in Kacheri district, the accused in a case was allegedly shot and wounded by his opponents while he was under custody.

Earlier, the accused in a murder case was killed while another person was injured in shootings in Jaranwala and Tandlianwala Kachhari as well.

Such incidents are occurring due to poor security arrangements made by the police in Kachhari district and outside courts.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2023.