SUKKUR: Six people, including two women, were killed and four others injured on Thursday afternoon during a deadly gun battle between rival groups of the Narejo community in Khairpur district.
The clash, sparked by an ongoing matrimonial dispute, erupted between 2pm and 3pm in the riverine area of Faiz Muhammad Bundo, within the jurisdiction of the Kot Mir Muhammad police station in Piryaloi.
Local residents said the long-standing dispute quickly escalated into an exchange of fire, leaving six people dead at the scene.
The deceased were identified as Fateh Muhammad Narejo and his son Raja Narejo from one faction while Muhammad Eiden Narejo and Sohrab Ali Narejo from the opposing side. Two women, identified as Shahzadi and Rabia, were also killed in the crossfire.
Four people were injured in the clash, with several reported to be in a critical condition, prompting fears that the death toll could rise.
The violence triggered widespread panic across the area as members of both groups took up armed positions, with intermittent firing continuing for several hours after the initial clash.
Earlier, police spokesperson Waqar Soomro initially confirmed five fatalities, noting that authorities were still verifying the casualty figures.
He added that Khairpur SSP Ameer Saud Magsi rushed to the scene with a heavy police contingent, backed by armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and heavy machinery, to bring the situation under control.
Police moved the bodies to Pir Jo Goth Hospital for post-mortem examinations, while the injured were transported to various hospitals for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that raids are underway at multiple locations to arrest those involved, and an investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident, expressing profound grief over the loss of six lives.
The chief minister directed the IGP to submit a detailed report, ordered a transparent investigation, and instructed authorities to take immediate legal action against the perpetrators.
Taking serious notice of the reported absence of law enforcement when the violence broke out, the CM questioned why local police failed to reach the scene promptly.
Describing the killings as a “highly serious incident”, he directed law enforcement agencies to proceed against those involved without discrimination.
He also instructed the administration and police to restore peace, maintain the law and order in the area, and ensure the injured receive the best available medical treatment, while extending his condolences to the bereaved families.
When this correspondent attempted to contact Khairpur SSP Ameer Saud Magsi for comment, he failed to answer the calls or respond to WhatsApp messages.
Up until the filing of this report today, the SSP has failed to provide his version of events regarding the killings of the six people.
Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2026