A doctor from Umerkot, accused of sharing blasphemous posts on social media, was shot dead during a confrontation with police in Mirpurkhas on Thursday, authorities reported.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Asad Chaudhry informed that the suspect was riding a motorcycle with another individual when police attempted to stop them for a search. Instead of complying, the pair opened fire on the officers.
According to the first information report (FIR), one suspect managed to escape while shooting at the police. When officers approached the injured suspect, they identified him as the Umerkot doctor and noted that he was holding a pistol.
The suspect was transported to Mirpurkhas Civil Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The FIR indicated that both suspects were charged under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from duty), and 324 (attempted murder). Additionally, police stated the deceased was found with an unlicensed pistol, leading to plans for a separate case against him.
Prior to the incident, local religious groups had staged a violent protest demanding action against the doctor. A large crowd gathered outside the local press club on Wednesday, calling for his immediate arrest. They ended their protest after assurances from the Umerkot SSP that a criminal case would be filed against the suspect. However, protesters attacked a police van, setting it on fire, prompting police to take action against over ten individuals involved in the violence.
In light of the vandalism, police authorities suspended Station House Officer (SHO) Altaf Shah for failing to control the situation.
Additionally, a blasphemy case was registered against the deceased doctor at the Taluka police station under Section 295-C of the PPC, which pertains to derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet.
The issue of blasphemy in the country has seen heightened tensions recently. In a separate incident, the family of a blasphemy suspect in Quetta forgave the police officer who allegedly killed him in custody, condemning the suspect’s actions but stating they would not pursue legal action against the officer.
These cases highlight the ongoing challenges surrounding blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, often leading to violence and public outcry.
