BHAKKAR:
A petty dispute that started on social media led to a deadly gunfight in Bhakkar, leaving two youths dead and five others injured.
Following the tragic incident, authorities approved the establishment of a permanent police post at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital to strengthen security and ensure quick response to emergencies.
According to a notification issued by District Police Officer (DPO) Shahzad Rafiq Awan, the new police post will have seven officers, including one woman and six men.
The measure aims to improve hospital security and allow action in emergency situations.
Police said the incident occurred 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, escalated and eventually led to an exchange of gunfire.
As a result, one young man from each side, identified as Shiraz and Zohaib, died, while five others were injured.
Upon receiving information about the shooting, the police rushed to the spot, brought the situation under control and shifted the injured to a hospital for medical treatment.
DPO Shahzad Rafiq Awan took notice of the incident and visited the DHQ hospital, where he met the injured victims.
He said police teams were conducting raids at several 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 would further strengthen security arrangements, provide a safer environment for doctors and healthcare workers and ensure an effective rapid response mechanism to deal with 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 Investigation Shaukat Ali, Executive Director Health and Population, Dr Mazhar Abbas Khan, doctors and paramedical staff were also present.
During the visit, the officials reviewed the hospital’s security arrangements and discussed issues faced by medical staff.
