SWAT: A large number of women, accompanied by men, took to the streets in Madyan on Friday to protest the alleged assault and killing of a nine-year-old girl and demanded exemplary punishment for the suspect.

The girl, who was reportedly an orphan, was allegedly assaulted before being shot dead in Madyan on Wednesday.

According to Madyan police, the girl was allegedly taken to a neighbouring house by a man, identified as Sultan Mohammad, where she was assaulted and subsequently shot. Police said they had arrested the suspect and launched an investigation into the incident.

The incident triggered widespread outrage across Swat, with people taking to social media to demand punishment for the accused. After Friday prayers, women and men from Madyan gathered at the main bazaar and chanted slogans against what they described as injustice. The protesters were also carrying placards bearing different messages.

The protesting women demanded that the police ensure exemplary punishment for the accused. Some of them demanded that the suspect be handed over to them so they could punish him themselves.

Later, the protesters marched towards the residence of MPA Mian Sharafat Ali and called for strict punishment for the accused.

The protest reflected growing concern among residents, particularly women, over the safety and security of children in the area.

Meanwhile, a man killed his father before taking his own life following a family dispute in the Chinocham locality of Kabal tehsil, police said on Friday.

According to Kabal police, an argument broke out between Bakht Karam and his son Adnan. During the quarrel, Adnan allegedly opened fire on his father, killing him on the spot, and then shot himself dead.

Following the incident, police reached the scene and, after completing the necessary legal formalities, shifted the bodies of both father and son to Kabal Hospital.

The bodies were later handed over to their heirs.

Police said further investigation into the incident was underway.

The funeral prayers for both father and son were offered after Maghrib prayers. Later, both father and son were laid to rest in the local graveyard.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2026