KARACHI:
A young couple was shot dead in another honor killing in Machar Colony late Tuesday night, police said on Wednesday.
Zainab, 21, and her 23-year-old husband Atiq had entered into a love marriage in Peshawar against their families’ wishes and later fled to Karachi fearing for their lives, police said.
The couple was allegedly shot dead by Zainab’s father inside their home near Ayesha Primary School in Mauripur Chowk, within the jurisdiction of Docks police station.
Police said Zainab had been in contact with her father after moving to Karachi and that he arrived at the couple’s residence three days before the killing.
On Tuesday night, the couple and Zainab’s father went to sleep in the house. However, he allegedly woke up during the night and shot his daughter and son-in-law before fleeing the scene.
According to the preliminary reports, Atiq was killed on the spot while Zainab sustained critical injuries. Both were rushed to Civil Hospital where Zainab later succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Police recovered four spent 9 mm shells from the crime scene, which were sent for forensic analysis. Surveillance has been stepped up at bus terminals and railway stations amid fears that the suspect may try to flee to Peshawar.
Hospital sources said Zainab had sustained three gunshot wounds to her face and head. After medico-legal formalities, the bodies were shifted to a mortuary in Chhipa. The police state that a case has been registered and that a search is underway for the suspect.
