CHAKWAL: A man shot himself dead after killing his wife and four children in Mozdalfa Town of Chakwal city on Tuesday.

According to District Police Officer (DPO) retired Capt Wahid Mehmood, Mohammad Shafqat Saleem called at Police Helpline 15 at around 4am and informed them that he had killed his two sons, two daughters and wife. “After making the call, he shot himself dead,” the DPO said.

When the police reached the spot, they found Mr Salim, his four children and wife dead on their beds.

“He killed his children and wife with a pistol and then shot himself,” the DPO said.

A team of Punjab Forensic Science Agency was called which examined the crime scene and collected samples.

The bodies were taken to District Headquarters Hospital for autopsy.

The deceased were identified as Shaista Amreen (wife), Saira, 16, Shahwar 14, Mohammad Wasiq, 13 and Hammad Mustafa 7.

According to the DPO, the children were students of 11th, 9th, 7th and one grade respectively.

“The parents of the deceased man also lived in the same street but he was not on speaking terms with them,” DPO Mehmood said.

Another police official told Dawn that Mr Salim was a native of Bhoun village and had retired from the air force one-and-a-half years ago.

“The family shifted to Chakwal city 14 years ago. His parents and uncle were also living in the same street but the parents said they had not seen their grandchildren for the last one year,” the official said.

The reason behind the murder could be ascertained after forensic examination of his mobile phone, the official said.

The bodies were laid to rest on Tuesday night.

On February 6, a man in Dhapai village also killed three relatives over a domestic dispute.

The accused used to quarrel with his wife often. On February 6 when he was quarrelling with his wife, her uncle, aunt and brother reached there.

The accused attacked them with a club. Another woman who was their neighbour also came after hearing the clamour and was also attacked.

As a result, the two women and man died of head injuries.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2024