KARACHI: A woman who married by choice was killed and her husband critically injured in a firing incident in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Hadeed area, police said.
The incident took place within the jurisdiction of Steel Town Police Station while the couple was reportedly returning from court. CCTV footage of the attack has also emerged, providing investigators with details about the incident.
According to police, the woman, identified as Fatima, and her husband, Akbar, were residents of Dhabeji. A Thatta court had previously directed police to provide protection to the couple.
Following the court order, Thatta police escorted the couple towards Karachi. However, according to reports, the police team left them after entering Karachi’s limits.
CCTV footage from the National Highway toll plaza reportedly shows a police mobile accompanying the couple before returning towards Thatta.
Police said that shortly after the escorting team left, armed men travelling in a white car opened fire on the couple.
Fatima was killed in the attack, while her husband Akbar and their friend Umer sustained bullet injuries.
According to investigators, the couple was travelling on a motorcycle with Umer when they were targeted. Fatima suffered two bullet wounds, while Akbar received six bullets and remains in critical condition.
Umer was also injured after being hit by a bullet. Police said his condition is stable and he is out of danger.
The attackers reportedly fled towards Thatta after carrying out the shooting.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are examining CCTV footage to identify the suspects and establish the sequence of events.
Later, Steel Town police conducted a raid in Thatta and detained one suspect allegedly linked to the attack.
Police officials said the detained suspect was being shifted to the police station for questioning. Investigators are expected to interrogate him about the identities of other suspects and the motive behind the attack.
The incident has raised questions about the security provided to the couple despite the court’s protection order. Police are continuing efforts to trace the remaining suspects and gather further evidence.
