KARACHI: A woman was shot dead by her father on the premises of Karachi City Courts on Monday. Two people, including a police officer, were injured.

The police officer, identified as Imran Zaman, was shot in the back. A passer-by in the city court was also shot in the leg and injured.

The suspect who fired the shots was arrested and the weapon was recovered from him, SSP City said.

The deceased was identified as 20-year-old Hajrah Ameer Jan.

Her husband was also present in the court but remained unharmed.

“The victim’s father killed the girl in the name of honor, for marrying a man of her choice,” SSP City Shabbir Sethar said.

Earlier this year, Hajrah ran away from her parents’ home and married Syed Jawar Naqvi without her parent’s consent.

According to the Affidavit submitted on January 3rd this year, Hajrah’s parents were forcing her to marry someone she did not like.

Hajrah’s father registered a missing persons case at Pirabad police station two weeks ago, due to which a search was started for the girl.

According to her husband Jawar’s lawyer, the investigation officer had detained two men who were suspected to have abducted the girl.

The victim came to the city court today with her husband to give a statement for the release of these two people, said Jawar’s lawyer.

Injured police head constable Imran Zaman along with a lady constable brought Hajrah to appear in the court.

SSP City Shabbir Sithar said Ameer Zaman Mehsud opened fire near gate number 4.

Head Constable Khyber Zaman, who was responsible for the security at Gate 4, has been suspended and an inquiry committee has been formed, said Sithar.

The victim’s father chased the girl as soon as she entered the court premises and opened fire when he found an opportunity to target her.

The fact that an armed person could enter court premises despite having a walk-through gate certainly raises questions about the security measures at the city court, say lawyers.

“Beggars, tea sellers, and even children are seen on court premises. We hope the bar will take action on the security measures after this incident” Jawar’s lawyer said.