GILGIT, Aug 29: Unidentified motorcyclists shot dead a revenue official and his relative in Gilgit in broad daylight on Monday. The double murder, which occurred near NLI Market at about 4.45pm, shocked the residents and led to closure of markets.

Police officials identified the victim as Mr Salim who was posted at assistant commissioner's office in Gilgit and his relative as Mr Azfar.

Police said Mr Salim died on the spot while Azfar was brought to DHQ hospital where he succumbed to injuries as both were hit in the heads by the attackers. Police described the incident as targeted killing.

Police said the culprits had used 30-bore pistols and were more than two who escaped from the scene.

The news spread in the capital town as people started leaving markets fearing outbreak of violence as has happened in past.

The local people said the bodies could not be removed from the site for more than 30 minutes whereas the distance of the city police station from the crime scene is hardly five minutes drive. Eyewitnesses said the bodies were removed by the residents.