Father shoots son dead in Pakistan over flag dispute | World News – Times of India
The argument erupted when the son, who had recently returned from working in Qatar, raised the flag of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by former prime minister Imran Khan, at their residence on the outskirts of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reported AFP.
According to district police official Naseer Farid, “The father objected to his son hoisting the PTI flag at home, but the son refused to remove it.” The altercation escalated, leading the father to shoot his 31-year-old son in a fit of anger before fleeing the scene. The son succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
The police are currently searching for the father, who had affiliations with the nationalist Awami National Party and had previously displayed their flag, said the AFP report.
The incident highlights the tensions surrounding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, which are scheduled for February 8. Elections in the country are often marred by violence, with candidates frequently targeted by Islamist bombings and gun attacks.
To ensure security during this crucial time, approximately 5,000 paramilitary Frontier Constabulary (FC) forces will be deployed to the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. Commander Moazzam Jah Ansari confirmed this deployment, emphasizing the need to maintain peace and stability during the electoral process.
(With inputs from agencies)