NAROWAL: Unidentified attackers allegedly killed a transperson and injured two others in Pakki Kotli area of Sialkot on Wednesday night.

Haider Ishaq, a resident of Mohalla Mohammadpura, Sialkot, said in his complaint to police that his brother Bilal alias Bubloo, a transperson dancer, has been living with Guru Riaz and other transpersons in a house in Pakki Kotli area for the last five years.

He said that on Wednesday night two unidentified persons entered the house and severely injured Bilal, Riaz Guru and Mehak with a knife and tortured other transpersons. He said that his brother Bilal died on the spot because of his critical injuries, while Mehk and Riaz were shifted to the government hospital for treatment. The suspects fled away. On being informed of the incident, local police arrived at the scene and recorded the statements of the injured transpersons.

Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Faisal Shahzad took notice of the incident and ordered picketing of the exit routes of the district for arrest of the killers.

The DPO also formed investigation and raiding teams led by Sialkot DSP for the immediate arrest of the killers.

Sialkot Saddar police registered an FIR against the unknown killers on the complaint of the victim’s brother Haider Ishaq under section 302, 324 and 334 of the PPC.

The DPO said that the motive behind the murder would be revealed after arrest of the killers. He said the police investigation teams have recorded evidence and statements of eyewitnesses and were using human intelligence and advanced technology to trace the killers.

Expressing their serious concern over the incident, the local transpersons community has demanded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to order immediate arrest of the killers.

BUS OVERTURNS: At least 31 passengers, including women, were injured when a speeding bus overturned near Adyan stop, Rana Town Sheikhupura, on Thursday.

As per Rescue 1122 spokesman, on being informed of the incident, rescue teams reached the spot, rescued the injured passengers trapped in the bus with the help of locals and provided them first aid.

He said those with minor injuries were sent to their homes after first aid, while others shifted to the government hospital for treatment.

He said said four of he passengers were said to be in a critical condition at the hospital.

The spokesman said 15 vehicles and dozens of rescue 1122 workers participated in the operation.

Eyewitnesses Farooq Sarwar and Aleem Dar said the accident occurred because of over speed, adding that it was third such accident in the last two days, leaving total 74 passengers injured.

They said overloading and speeding by public transport vehicles has been continuing unchecked in the district.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2025