LAHORE - A man and his wife were killed while their close relative wounded critically when unidentified gunmen ambushed the couple sitting in a car and heading for a wedding ceremony on Ring Road in the Badami Bagh police limits on Sunday. The condition of the injured was reported to be critical till Sunday night.
Resident of Misri Shah, Khalid Baloch, 45, along with his wife Musarrat Bibi, 40, and brother-in-law Latif Baloch were part of the Barat convoy heading for Manga Mandi when six motorcyclists ambushed the vehicle they were traveling in. As a result, father of four Khalid and his wife died on the spot while Latif sustained multiple bullet wounds and was rushed to a hospital in serious condition.
The gunmen fled the scene on their motorcycles after firing many warning shots in the air to create panic and terror on the busy road. The police investigators say they believe old enmity could be the motive behind the double-murder.
The festivity turned sour as the brazen gun attack caused panic and then stampede among dozens of participants of the Barat, who were moving towards Manga Mandi from Misri Shah on a convoy of vehicles.
Eyewitnesses told the police that the gunmen had already taken positions alongside the road and they opened indiscriminate fire on the car as the family reached near to Toll-plaza on the Ring Road. The police have removed the bodies to the morgue for autopsy band are investigating with no arrest made yet.
AGENCY ADDS: Cops of Islamabad police deployed on pickets and performing patrolling duties continuously checking vehicles registration through mobile verification system.
According to spokesman of police, police impounded around three vehicles and one motorbike having bogus number plates during the verification process in last two days.
The vehicles impounded by the police include Cars No, IDC-1669, PD-638, LS-155 and one motorbike bearing No,HN-274 impounded for having bogus number plates.
According to details, Islamabad Police have created a customized database with three components that include registration data of vehicles, data of stolen vehicles and crime record of proclaimed offenders, court absconders, military deserters, challaned and convicted persons.
In order to check record of any vehicle or suspect, the data can be accessed by picket in-charges and patrol officers through intelligent mobile verification system.
IGP Islamabad Sikandar Hayat has said that use of the new technology is underway to ensure effectively policing and give better output.
He said that acquaintance with modern technology for policemen is very essential to effectively combat criminal elements.
SSP Islamabad Muhammad Rizwan , said that all possible steps are being taken to secure the city and ensure protection to the lives and property of the citizens.