PTI leader shot dead, two bystanders injured in AJK ambush

WEB DESK: A local leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was shot dead on Thursday in an armed ambush near Pingali Mor in the Barnala tehsil of Bhimber district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The deceased, identified as Chaudhry Adalat, was the former chairman of the local Zakat and Ushr Committee.

A woman and a child, who were passing by the area at the time of the attack, sustained critical injuries after being caught in the crossfire, according to Dawn News.

According to police reports, Adalat was returning from the Barnala courts alongside his nephew and a friend when the incident occurred.

Unidentified assailants, who had allegedly taken up positions along the route in advance, opened indiscriminate fire on their vehicle.

While Adalat sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot, the two other occupants of the vehicle miraculously escaped unhurt.

The innocent bystanders struck by stray bullets were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, whilst the attackers fled the scene in a black car immediately after the assault.

Police investigate potential personal enmities

Local law enforcement officials revealed that Adalat had been implicated in multiple cases pending before various courts.

Investigators believe these ongoing legal disputes had led to deep-seated enmities with several individuals, which may have served as the motive behind the targeted assassination.

Manhunt launched for fleeing suspects

A senior police official confirmed that investigations are currently underway from multiple angles to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding the targeted killing.

A widespread manhunt has also been launched across the region to trace and arrest the fleeing assailants. Following the completion of necessary legal formalities, Adalat’s body was handed over to his family, including his brothers Chaudhry Dilawar and Chaudhry Mudassar Mehndi, for burial.