PESHAWAR: A man was shot and killed in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province after he removed another man from his WhatsApp group, police and the victim’s brother said on Saturday, in what appears to be the first case of its kind.
The incident occurred in Regi, a rundown locality on the outskirts of Peshawar, on Friday evening, bringing to light the dangerous consequences of seemingly minor online disputes.
The suspect, Ashfaq Khan, opened fire on WhatsApp group administrator Mushtaq Ahmed after an altercation over the removal of the former from the latter’s WhatsApp group.
Humayun Khan, the victim’s brother, told Arab News that he was present at the scene when Khan opened fire on his brother, saying they were not aware of the details of the altercation.
“My slain brother Mushtaq and Ashfaq had developed some differences in a WhatsApp group, forcing my brother to remove the latter. Ashfaq got infuriated and shot my brother dead,” Humayun said.
“It was a non-issue or a very trivial matter. No one in our family even knew about the dispute at all.”
Abid Khan, a local police officer, said the brother of the deceased had lodged a complaint with police, accusing Khan of fatally shooting Ahmed.
The police report says both parties were in the process of reconciliation, when the suspect suddenly opened fire and killed the WhatsApp group admin.
Abid said the suspect fled the scene after shooting Ahmed dead and police were conducting raids to apprehend him.
The shooting has ignited a broader online discussion, with many social media users expressing sorrow over the incident during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Many users emphasized that one of the purposes of fasting in Ramadan is to cultivate self-restraint.
WhatsApp group admin shot dead in northwest Pakistan for allegedly removing member
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WhatsApp group admin shot dead in northwest Pakistan for allegedly removing member
- The shooting in the holy fasting month of Ramadan has ignited a broader online discussion
- Netizens emphasize one of the purposes of fasting in Ramadan is to cultivate self-restraint
Pakistan leaders wish Saudi King Salman well after hospital admission for tests
- Pakistani PM and President express concern, pray for the King's swift recovery
- The official Saudi media has not shared the nature of the King’s visit to the hospital
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s prime minister and president on Friday expressed concern over the health of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, offering prayers and well wishes after state media said he had been admitted to hospital in Riyadh for medical examinations.
The Saudi Press Agency reported the King was undergoing medical tests at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, with no further information regarding the nature of the visit or his medical condition.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistanis held the Saudi King in high regard and were praying for his recovery.
“Deeply concerned by the news that Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is admitted in hospital for medical tests,” he said. “The people of Pakistan hold His Majesty in the highest esteem. We join our Saudi brothers and sisters in praying for His Majesty’s swift and complete recovery.”
President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed his wishes, saying the entire Pakistani nation was praying for the Saudi King’s health and well-being, according to a statement issued by the presidency.
Pakistan has longstanding diplomatic and institutional ties with Saudi Arabia, and its leadership has consistently expressed deep respect for the Saudi royal family, particularly in view of the Kingdom’s religious significance and its role in the Muslim world.
