Man accused of killing family of four in Skardu arrested with accomplice

Police have arrested the main suspect, identified as the uncle of the woman killed in the Skardu family murder case, along with an accomplice, officials said.

According to police, the suspects had gone into hiding in Kurram after the murder of four members of a family in Skardu. Investigators have found evidence suggesting that five people were allegedly involved in the killings.

Investigating officials said two suspects, including the main accused, Rajab, had been arrested, while efforts were under way to apprehend the others.

The deceased man belonged to Skardu, while his wife was from Parachinar. The couple's four-year-old son and two-year-old daughter were also killed.

Earlier, police had registered a murder case and arrested 10 people. Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan Asif Mehmood said all aspects of the incident were being investigated, including the possibility that the killings were linked to a marriage against the family's wishes. He said all available resources would be used to arrest the suspects.

Police said the four victims — Muhammad Aslam, his wife Hania Aslam, their four-year-old son Mahdi and two-year-old daughter Zahra — were killed with a sharp-edged weapon after assailants entered their home in Skardu's Madina Colony and slit their throats.

According to the complainant, Aslam had previously received serious threats over his marriage.

The killings triggered protests in Skardu. The DIG said the affected family would be provided justice.