BHAKKAR:
A petty dispute that began on social media escalated into a deadly armed clash in Bhakkar, leaving two young men dead and five others injured.
Following the tragic incident, the authorities have approved the establishment of a permanent police post at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital to beef up security and ensure quick response to emergencies.
According to a release issued by District Police Officer (DPO) Shahzad Rafiq Awan, the new police post will be staffed with seven personnel, including one female and six male officers.
The move is aimed at increasing hospital security and enabling action in emergency situations.
Police said the incident took place on Gudwala Darya Khan Road within the jurisdiction of Sadar Bhakkar police station.
A verbal dispute between two groups of youths, which reportedly began on TikTok and other social media platforms, intensified and eventually led to an exchange of gunfire.
As a result, one young man from each side, identified as Shiraz and Zohaib, was killed while five others sustained injuries.
After receiving information about the shooting, the police rushed to the spot, brought the situation under control and shifted the injured to the hospital for medical treatment.
DPO Shahzad Rafiq Awan took cognizance of the incident and visited DHQ Hospital where he met the injured victims.
He said police teams were conducting raids in various places to arrest those involved in the clash and promised that all suspects would soon be brought to justice.
The DPO added that the establishment of a permanent police post at the DHQ hospital will further strengthen security arrangements, provide a safer environment for doctors and health workers and ensure an effective rapid response mechanism to deal with any future emergencies or violent incidents.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ehsan Ali Jamali, accompanied by DPO Shahzad Rafiq Awan, paid a special visit to the DHQ hospital.
SP survey Shaukat Ali, Executive Director of Health and Population, Dr. Mazhar Abbas Khan, doctors and paramedical staff were also present.
During the visit, officials reviewed hospital security arrangements and discussed issues faced by medical staff.
