ISLAMABAD: A man and his ex-wife shot and injured each other over a child custody dispute here on Monday, police said.

Zeeshan Ali, 35, a painter by profession, came over to the house of his ex-wife Azram Bibi, located in Ghouri Town and demanded the custody of the child, but she denied, they said, adding as a result both exchanged harsh words.

During the heated argument, the women pulled out a pistol she had been carrying and pointed it towards him, they said, adding when he saw the weapon in her hand he tried to escape.

But the woman opened fire on him and as a result he sustained a bullet injury in his back, they said.

After receiving a bullet injury he also pulled out his pistol and fired at the woman, the police said, adding that the woman suffered injuries in her legs.

Hearing the gunshot people from the nearby area rushed to the house and found them injured. They snatched the weapons and informed the police.

Later, the police shifted the injured to a hospital where they were given medical assistance and their condition was stable.

The police seized two pistols from the crime scene, which were considered illegal as the injured failed to produce their licences.

The couple had been separated some six years ago.

Preliminarily investigation suggested that there were a dispute between them over the custody of the child and they would scuffle over the issue, they said.

Just two days before the Eidul Azha, the woman brought five-year-old Abdullah to her home.

The police are confused as to whom they should make complainant in the case.

The police prosecution department was also approached for guideline and opinion, but it has not given any reply as yet, they added.

There is likelihood that the case might be registered on the complaint of the woman, the police said.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2021