NAROWAL: Two masked gunmen robbed 16 people in broad daylight on Zafarwal Shakargarh Link Road on Monday.

The gunmen targeted passers-by and looted cash, mobile phones, a motorcycle, and other valuables within 45 minutes before fleeing on a stolen motorcycle. They abandoned their old one at the scene.

Amjad Ali and Naeem Ahmed said robbers forced them to hand over cash and phones when they were en route to their village Jagal from Zafarwal city.

They said that at least 10 people were similarly victimised before their turn.

The robbers reportedly detained people in nearby fields while continuing their crime spree without fear of police.

Later that evening, the same robbers allegedly struck a milk shop on Eidgah Road in Zafarwal City. Shopkeeper Ghulam Rasool was robbed of cash and his mobile phone. A similar robbery was reported days earlier at a medical store in the city.

Citizens, fed up with the surge in crime, staged protests against the police, accusing them of negligence and prioritizing political protocols over public safety. Muhammad Waris and Abdul Razzaq said that street crime in Zafarwal has reached alarming levels. Residents demanded that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Punjab Inspector Genera; Dr Usman Anwar take notice of the law and order situation.

The police stated that DPO Muhammad Naveed Malik has taken notice of the incidents. Police teams are reportedly conducting raids to apprehend the robbers, with assurances of swift action.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024