Young Man Killed in Targeted Shooting as Fugitive Mastermind Allegedly Orders Hit From Abroad
A young man was shot dead in Wazirabad’s Wadala Cheema village in what police describe as a contract killing allegedly orchestrated by a fugitive suspect now believed to be operating from Thailand. The daylight ambush has intensified fears in the community as the victim’s family says they are receiving ongoing threats and are pleading for state protection.
Police records state that 25-year-old Usman Akram Cheema was attacked outside his family haveli when three armed men on a motorcycle opened fire, unleashing more than two dozen bullets before fleeing. Witnesses reported the gunmen escaped within seconds as residents rushed out after hearing sustained gunfire.
Investigators say the murder is allegedly linked to Ahmed Murtaza, a man wanted in multiple violent cases who reportedly fled the country and has been residing in Thailand. According to the inquiry officer, the suspect had previously faced several FIRs and had his bail rejected in a related case involving attacks on the same family. Police maintain that the fugitive ordered the killing from abroad and that earlier incidents connected to him are already on record at the local police station.
The victim’s mother, Nusrat Bibi, who filed the murder complaint, told authorities that her family had been threatened repeatedly for pursuing earlier cases. She said she is now receiving fresh death threats demanding she withdraw her complaint. She also accused two individuals impersonating police officials of extorting Rs 35,000 during the investigation under the guise of case-related expenses.
A widow with no protection, she has appealed directly to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and the Inspector General of Punjab Police, urging them to arrest the suspects and safeguard her family. She stated that she fears for her life and believes the assailants will continue targeting her family if decisive action is not taken.
Local residents say the accused mastermind has a long history of violent intimidation in the region and believe the killing was carried out under pre-planned instructions issued from overseas. Community members remain shaken by the boldness of the attack and the perception that organised violence from abroad is influencing local crimes.
According to the family, Usman Akram had no criminal background and was targeted solely because he pursued justice in earlier cases involving the accused. His mother says his only fault was testifying and “standing by the truth” as she continues to demand justice for her son.
Read in Urdu: وڈالہ چیما میں نوجوان کا دن دہاڑے قتل، مرکزی ملزم تھائی لینڈ سے کارروائی کروانے کا الزام
