#SahiwalKilling incident highlights
- Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials in Pakistan shot dead four passengers in a car on the conjecture of them being “terrorists”
- The victim’s children, however, contradicted the statement.
- Twitter users are shocked and ask for prompt action.
- Prime Minister Imran Khan said action to be taken following JIT report; children will be looked after by the state
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has shared an update on the #Sahiwalkillings investigation.
The hashtag which was among the top in the country, had Twitter users discussing a tragic incident that had unfolded on Saturday near the Sahiwal toll plaza. Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials shot dead four passengers in a car on the conjecture of them being “terrorists”.
New footage of the incident surfaced on social media last night, showing the CTD officials opening fire and killing a couple, their daughter and a friend.
The video which appears to have been recorded from inside a car parked nearby, shows children being taken out of the car after which the officials proceeded to open fire.
@ImranKhanPTI expressed shock at the incident and promised that the children will be looked after by the state government, “Still shocked at seeing the traumatised children who saw their parents shot before their eyes. Any parent would be shocked as they would think of their own children in such a traumatic situation. These children will now be fully looked after by the state as its responsibility.”
The deceased included a man and his wife identified as Khalil and Nabeela along with their 13-year-old daughter, Areeba, and a friend of Khalil.
According to Pakistan television channel, Geo Television Network’s news website, CTD personnel said they had “killed a local commander of militant organisation Daesh and three others in the operation. Eyewitnesses, however, disputed the claim and said the people in the car did not fire at officials, nor were any explosives recovered from the vehicle”.
@ImranKhanPTI added: “While the CTD has done a great job in the fight against terrorism, everyone must be accountable before the law. As soon as the JIT report comes, swift action will be taken. The government’s priority is the protection of all its citizens.”
According to the Pakistan newspaper, The Express Tribune: "The victim’s children, however, contradicted the statement, saying the fatalities included their parents, elder sister and driver and that they were travelling from Lahore to Boriwala to attend a wedding."
An FIR was lodged on Sunday afternoon against 16 Counter-Terrorism Department officials allegedly involved in the Sahiwal shooting. They were arrested on Saturday night on PM’s directives.
After the PM contacted him, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar had directed Punjab Inspector-General Amjad Javed Saleemi to arrest the CTD police officials and register a case against them.
Twitter users were shocked at the incident and demanded prompt legal action against the officials.
@NadiaSaifee39 tweeted: “You are our PM, please take strict action against the CTD personnel.”
@SajjadmirzaPTI: “Thanks for your point of view. People were waiting since yesterday. Let the JIT findings [come out] and act accordingly please.”
Some like @tas_butt were relieved that Khan’s government had at least promised to look after the children. The tweep posted: “Thank you so much for your tweet for looking after the children. It’s a relief, couldn’t sleep worrying about these children... May Allah bless more.”
