BAHAWALPUR: Two suspected drug peddlers, one of them in the guise of a lawyer, were killed while an alleged robber was arrested in injured condition in two encounters in the limits of police station Machiwal and Sahooka, respectively, in Vehari district on Saturday.

The first incident took place at village 21/WB, Machiwal. Police said a raiding party went to the house of alleged drug traffickers to arrest them. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police party, leading to an exchange of fire.

Police claim that the two suspects, identified as Zeeshan (a member of the district bar residing in 21/WB) and Husnain Yousaf (a resident of 19/WB), were killed by the firing of their own two accomplices, who managed to escape.

Police alleged that Zeeshan was a drug peddler involved in 14 heinous crimes, including dacoity and narcotics. Police recovered seven kilograms of heroin and hashish from the house.

Following the incident, Zeeshan’s mother and other relatives blocked a road in protest, alleging that the police had accepted money from Zeeshan’s rivals to kill him.

Police high-ups announced an inquiry into Zeeshan’s death and stated they would not react to the protest until the inquiry is complete.

In the second incident near village 305/EB, Sahooka, police were alerted after three dacoits allegedly snatched cash from three rickshaw riders.

Police established a road blockade. During the blockade, the three fleeing suspects encountered the police party and allegedly opened fire. In retaliation, one suspect, identified as Abbas Sukhera of 319/EB, was injured and arrested, while his two accomplices escaped.

Police recovered a snatched motorcycle and a pistol from his possession.

Sukhera, who is allegedly involved in multiple dacoity cases, was admitted to a hospital and a case was registered against his fleeing accomplices.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2025