Police officer, three others shot down during Tarawih prayers

Three people, including a police officer, were shot dead and another critically wounded when unidentified gunmen opened fire during Tarawih prayers in Narowal, police said on Monday.

The attack took place inside a private residence where worshippers had gathered for prayers. The victims were identified as transporter Imran Butt, Shahid Butt, and Special Branch police officer Zafar Iqbal. A fourth person, Shehbaz, sustained serious injuries.

According to initial reports, the shooting was linked to a long-standing rivalry over a private bus stand. The assailants fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

District Police Officer (DPO) Malik Naveed and a heavy police contingent reached the site, moving the bodies to a hospital for post-mortem examination while the injured received medical care.

Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar has taken notice of the incident, seeking a report from the regional police chief and ordering the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Authorities have vowed to utilise all resources to track down the perpetrators and ensure justice.

Last week, a theft occurred at a mosque in Rawalpindi’s Cantt area, where a thief stole a laptop and a bag containing valuable items while the owner was engaged in prayer. CCTV footage has surfaced, capturing the suspect in action during the incident.

The footage revealed a well-dressed man wearing a black pair of sunglasses, a shirt, and trousers. He was seen picking up a shoulder bag containing a laptop and other belongings from the designated area inside the mosque.

After taking the bag, the thief switched his footwear for the shoes of another worshipper before leaving the mosque.

The CCTV shows the thief initially observing the shoe rack and then casually taking the bag from the spot, before moving towards the exit.

He wore a black pair of sunglasses and appeared to blend in with the other worshippers.

Zia-ur-Rehman, the victim, filed a complaint with the Cantt police after noticing that his bag, containing a laptop, important documents, a USB, and a charger, was missing. The police registered the case and later caught the indi