Gang-rape suspect killed in police shootout in Pakistan’s Punjab province

A key suspect in a gang-rape case that sparked nationwide outrage in Pakistan was killed Thursday in a police shootout in the eastern city of Hafizabad, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Khawar, died from friendly fire during an exchange of gunfire with the Counter Crime Department, a specialised police unit. The shootout took place at an under-construction building near Nala Saym Ronda, where police said Khawar and three accomplices were hiding.

“The suspects opened fire first, and officers returned fire,” a police official said. “Khawar was critically wounded and died while being taken to hospital.”

An assault rifle, ammunition, a mobile phone and cash were recovered from the scene. Police filed new charges against Khawar posthumously, including attempted murder of police officers and illegal weapons possession.

The other three suspects fled the scene and remain at large.

Brutal assault filmed and shared

The police operation followed a May 25 attack in Hafizabad’s Kassoki area. According to police, eight men abducted a couple at gunpoint while they were travelling by motorcycle from Lahore.

The victims were taken to a nearby village, Mangat Uncha. Police said the woman was gang-raped in front of her husband. The attackers allegedly forced the man to take part in degrading acts while filming the assault. The group also robbed the couple of cash, gold jewellery and a mobile phone.

The victims initially stayed silent due to fear of social stigma and the influence of the suspects in their community. They later came forward after footage of the assault began circulating on social media.

Police have filed charges including gang rape, kidnapping, criminal intimidation and conspiracy. Four suspects have been identified by name; four others remain unknown.

Case draws comparisons to past crimes

The case is being investigated by Pakistan’s Crime Control Department, after initially being handled by the Special Sexual Offences Investigation Unit.

The incident has drawn comparisons to other high-profile sexual assault cases in the country. In 2021, two men were sentenced to death for raping a Pakistani-French woman on a motorway near Lahore while her children were present.

Rights groups say Pakistan continues to face alarming levels of gender-based violence. Advocates have called on the government to strengthen legal protections and improve enforcement to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.