Love-marriage couple shot dead in Karachi

A young couple who had tied the knot without the consent of their families was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Malir area of Karachi on Monday, police said.

According to police, 20-year-old Nadia and 25-year-old Najiullah had recently contracted love marriage. Following the marriage, Nadia’s father, Aslam, had registered a kidnapping case against the couple at Sachal Police Station on May 19.

Police said that after the case was registered, Najiullah’s father was arrested by authorities. However, the situation appeared to have been resolved after Nadia appeared before the Malir court along with her husband on Monday and presented proof of their marriage. Following the court proceedings, Najiullah’s father was granted release and the case was settled.

Officials said the couple left the court happily and were travelling towards the National Database and Registration Authority office in Saudabad when unknown gunmen opened indiscriminate fire on their vehicle.

Police revealed that the couple had hired a rented car and were planning to travel to Hyderabad. Apart from the driver, another individual was also present in the vehicle. During the attack, both men managed to escape from the car, while the attackers specifically targeted the back seats where Nadia and Najiullah were sitting.

Investigators believe the suspects had been following the couple from the court premises before carrying out the deadly attack.

Taking notice of the incident, Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho sought a detailed report from Azad Khan and directed police officials to immediately arrest those involved in the killing.