TOBA TEK SINGH: Tandlianwala police in Faisalabad finally arrested the six people involved in the murder of three under-arrest brothers on Wednesday, who were shot dead inside the lock-up of Jaranwala Saddar police in an attack early morning on Jan 6.

A police spokesperson claimed on Wednesday that all six assassins— identified as Zohray Khan, Abdul Qadir, Ziaul Haq, Ameer Ali, Nasir Ali, and Muhammad Riaz — were arrested in a raid in Jaranwala.

He said the suspects had climbed onto the police station’s roof, entered the premises, and opened fire, killing the three brothers and injuring their cousin, who were arrested in a double murder case.

CASE: The Shorkot City police on Wednesday registered a case under Sections 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and sections 302, 324, 148, and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code against five people for attacking and opening indiscriminate fire on two under-arrest murder case accused in the Shorkot tehsil courts complex on Tuesday.

A passerby was killed and three others were injured in the attack.

Complainant Muhammad Asif of Kabirwala, Khanewal, stated in his FIR that he and his deceased brother, Shahid Abbas, had arrived at Shorkot to attend a court hearing when Ali Sher and Arif Bhatti along with three unidentified accomplices opened fire on their opponents, Imran and Ramzan. However, they instead shot and killed Shahid and injured three others.

Meanwhile, members of the tehsil bar observed a strike on Wednesday to condemn Shorkot City police for a crossfire with the attackers, which resulted in the death of a passerby and injuries to three others, including a lawyer’s clerk. Later, attacker Bhatti, who had fled the court complex, was injured in an encounter with Shorkot police.

According to police, at Bhangoo Kothi police barrier, three suspects on a motorcycle were stopped, but they opened fire on police personnel, prompting retaliation. Two suspects managed to flee, while Bhatti was found injured. He was hit by bullets fired by his own accomplices.

Police said Bhatti had previously been involved in four robbery cases and was also accused in the court complex firing incident.

SENTENCED: Kamalia Additional District and Sessions Judge Amer Nazir Awan on Wednesday sentenced a narcotics case accused to 14 years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs500,000.

Convict Muhammad Farhan of Makenanwala, Kamalia, was arrested by Kamalia City police on July 26, 2023, after a large quantity of narcotics was recovered from his possession.

ENCOUNTER: A robber was injured in an alleged encounter with Faisalabad police on Wednesday.

According to police, Samundri City police were returning after recovering looted items based on the information provided by an under-arrest robber, identified as Iqbal, when his three accomplices attacked the police van near Munnianwala Bangla and snatched him away.

Additional police force was called in and after an exchange of fire, the attackers fled, leaving the injured outlaw behind. He was shifted to THQ Hospital.

Police stated that he had been hit by bullets fired by his own accomplices.

MISSING: Two days have passed since a two-year-old child went missing in Gojra’s Chak 430-JB, but he has yet to be found.

Reports said Umar was playing in the street when he suddenly disappeared.

Gojra Sadar police have registered a kidnap case against unknown abductors.

MOU: Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) and Alliance Française (AF) signed a emorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday to enhance French language training and promote global communication skills among students.

The MoU, signed by GCUF Vice-Chancellor Dr Rauf-i-Azam and AF Director Fabrice Disdier, establishes a framework for collaboration in developing academic programs and fostering cultural exchange.

Mr Disdier expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it represents a significant step in expanding French language education. “By working with GCUF, we will provide students with unique opportunities to develop linguistic and cultural skills essential in today’s interconnected world,” he said.

Dr Rauf-i-Azam emphasised the strategic importance of language skills in a globalized job market. “This MoU demonstrates our commitment to preparing students for success in academia and their professional lives. The ability to communicate across cultures is crucial, and through this collaboration, we are offering a valuable resource to our university community,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2025