A horrific armed robbery in Taxila has claimed the life of a local trader and left his daughter critically wounded, prompting widespread anger within the community over Rawalpindi Police’s apparent failure to ensure public safety. The deadly assault occurred when five armed robbers forcibly entered the home of prominent businessman Ikram Elahi on Faisal Shaheed Road, opening fire on the family after encountering resistance.
According to eyewitnesses and family members, the armed intruders stormed into Elahi’s residence late at night. When the family attempted to defend themselves and resisted the intruders, the robbers began shooting indiscriminately. As a result, Ikram Elahi was tragically killed on the spot, while his daughter, identified as Zara Akram, sustained critical gunshot wounds. During the violent exchange, one suspected robber was also killed by retaliatory fire within the household.
The incident has ignited furious backlash and deep concern among the residents of Taxila. Citizens have strongly criticized the Rawalpindi Police force, highlighting their alleged failure in maintaining law and order, as well as in carrying out adequate nighttime patrols and effective intelligence gathering. Community members assert that these repeated shortcomings have emboldened criminals, transforming previously peaceful neighborhoods into areas plagued with violent crime.
Moreover, the delayed police response has further inflamed public frustration. Witnesses emphasized that officers reached the scene only after considerable bloodshed had already occurred, a distressing pattern citizens claim has become all too common across Punjab province.
In response to the tragedy, residents are urgently calling upon Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Interior Minister Shehbaz Sharif to launch immediate action, demanding greater accountability within the ranks of Rawalpindi Police. They insist that decisive measures must be taken to apprehend all remaining suspects and restore a sense of security.
As law enforcement continues their search for the assailants still on the run, a climate of fear, anxiety, and outrage persists among the families and communities of Taxila.
