PESHAWAR: An alleged criminal was killed and a policeman sustained injuries in an exchange of fire on Wednesday night in the jurisdiction of Pishtakhara police station on the outskirts of the provincial capital.

SP Cantonment Waqas Rafiq told Dawn that a vehicle was being rashly driven on Ring Road and personnel of Ababee Squad of police signalled the driver to stop.

The official said the driver fled the scene, adding that the Ababeel Squad chased the vehicle.

“During the chase, those inside the vehicle opened fire and one of the squad members, Imran, sustained injuries. The personnel retaliated and continued the chase,” the officer said, adding that the car was later found parked on Umar Gul Road. The driver, identified as Afzal Khan, had sustained injuries in the firing. He was arrested and shifted to a hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries.

The officer disclosed that Afzal Khan was wanted by police in 18 cases registered against him by Badhber police under different provisions including Control of Narcotics Substance Act, Arms Act and many others.

SP Rafiq also stated that the victim was high on drugs and had used ice drug (methamphetamine). “Even the vehicle he was driving was stolen and a case was registered,” Mr Rafiq said.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2024