ISLAMABAD: A social activist was gunned down by drug dealers in Pindorian – a village in the remits of the Khanna police – for exposing their activities in the area.

The deceased identified as Ishtiaq Abbasi was also actively pushing the police officers to take action against the drug dealers for their activities.

A police officer said that the incident took place at tube well no. 18 located in the area of Pindorian at 11am when some gunmen ambushed and started indiscriminate firing at Abbasi. As a result, he sustained multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot, while the gunmen escaped.

He said that the deceased was a social worker and a worker of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, adding that he was a respected and notable person in the area, having served as a former councilor.

Residents hold protest, say despite multiple complaints, police have failed to act

The officer further said the slain activist was uncovering the drug dealers operating in the area and its surroundings since long as the police did not take any action against them despite a number of complaints made against them by him and other people in the area.

The issue of drug dealing was also highlighted at a public gathering held some time ago in which PML-N minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and MNA Raja Khurram Nawaz also participated. The residents, including Ishtiaq Abbasi, had requested them to get rid of the menace.

The slain activist also managed to convince the police to conduct an anti-drug operation in the area, in which a suspect was arrested, officials said, adding that as a result, he was threatened by the accomplices of the drug dealer with dire consequences.

After the murder, the residents of the area held a protest and blocked the road, blaming the police for their failure to take action against the drug dealers.

During the demonstration, the residents demanded immediate removal of the officers concerned, saying the police officials failed to take action against the drug dealers despite a number of complaints lodged by the residents. Besides, they also alleged that the police were hand in glove with the drug dealers, who are openly dealing in the area.

The protest and a brewing law and order situation also prompted the police chief, Ali Nasir Rizvi, to reach the spot.

Addressing the protesters, the IGP said he himself would be a complainant in this case and avenge the killing of the slain PML-N activist.

The IGP said Mr Abbasi was a martyr, vowing that he would make an example out of the culprits.

Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2025