Violence erupts after political dispute during prayers in Chichawatni mosque
- An armed clash occurred in a mosque in Chichawatni between rival political factions after Friday prayers.
- Eight individuals were injured in the incident, including both political leaders and innocent bystanders.
- Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the clash and planning to file charges against both factions.
In Sahiwal, Pakistan, on March 29, 2025, a violent confrontation occurred between two rival political factions during Friday prayers at a mosque located in the village 97/12-L. The faction led by Raja Iqbal supporting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and another led by Raja Umer Talib backing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) found themselves engaged in a heated exchange prior to the prayers. Displeased with prior tensions that had been building due to political rivalry between the two factions, the conflict escalated into an armed clash following the prayers. Eyewitness reports indicate that Raja Anjum Iqbal and Najam Iqbal from the PTI faction engaged in an argument with Raja Umer Talib before Jumma prayers. Once prayer concluded, Anjum Iqbal and Najam Iqbal returned to the mosque armed with firearms and began firing at Umer Talib and his cousin Usman Talib, who were still engaged in additional prayers. Raja Iqbal, who is Umer and Usman’s father, responded by supplying his sons with weapons, leading to further gunfire between the factions. The chaos resulted in panic and confusion among the approximately 200-250 worshippers present in the mosque, forcing many to seek safety behind pillars and in washrooms. Eight individuals suffered injuries during the 15-20 minute firing spree, including both factions’ leaders, with Najam Iqbal sustaining critical wounds requiring immediate medical attention at the Sahiwal Teaching Hospital. Also among the injured were innocent bystanders, including Shahzad, a 25-year-old laborer, and Nasreen, the wife of Raja Iqbal, who happened to be passing by the mosque. Local authorities were alerted and quickly dispatched the Okanwala Bangla police to the location, attempting to regain control of the situation. Both factions insisted on filing complaints against one another, and as of the reporting of this incident, no formal FIR had been registered. Police stated that investigations are ongoing and plans to utilize CCTV footage from the mosque will help determine the sequence of events. Additionally, both factions are expected to face charges under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act for violating the sanctity of a place of worship, emphasizing the seriousness of the altercation.