Three Lahore police officers were gunned down in a targeted attack on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, in the city’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area. Among the dead were Sub-Inspector Muhammad Afzal and his son, Head Constable Muhammad Usman, both stationed at the Gulberg police station. The third victim was Constable Muhammad Ali, also from the same station.

Investigators say the killers fled in a white Toyota Corolla fitted with a GPS tracker that had been installed by the suspects themselves. The tracker was discovered during a forensic sweep of the vehicle, which was recovered near Model Town on Thursday morning. Police sources told Naya Pakistan that the suspects had planted the tracker to monitor their own movements, unaware that it was broadcasting their location in real time.

The attack is now being linked to a long-running operation codenamed ‘Afghani Task’, a joint initiative between Lahore police and Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) targeting armed groups operating near the Pak-Afghan border. While officials have not confirmed a direct connection, sources say the victims were part of a special unit that had recently conducted raids in Lahore’s outskirts, seizing weapons and arresting suspects with alleged ties to cross-border militants.

The tracker that broke the case

Forensic teams retrieved data logs from the tracker, showing the car’s route from DHA Phase VI—where the shooting took place—through Canal Road, past Jinnah Hospital, and into Model Town, where it was abandoned. The logs also captured voice recordings from a hidden microphone inside the vehicle, which investigators are now analyzing for clues.

Police have arrested two suspects so far, including 21-year-old Mahnoor Shahzadi, daughter of target killer Fayyaz Butt, who was killed in an encounter with police in 2024. Mahnoor’s mobile phone and social media accounts are being forensically examined, with authorities looking for links to other members of the gang. A third suspect is still at large, police said.

What the ‘Afghani Task’ means

The ‘Afghani Task’ is a special operations unit set up in 2023 to crack down on target killings, extortion, and armed robberies in Lahore, many of which were blamed on Afghan nationals operating in the city. The unit has conducted over 50 raids in the past year, seizing automatic weapons, explosives, and counterfeit currency. In March 2025, the team arrested 12 suspects in Raiwind with Rs 50 million worth of heroin and AK-47 rifles.

While police have not explicitly stated that the Wednesday attack was retaliation for these operations, sources say the timing is suspicious. The victims’ unit had been actively targeting gangs involved in kidnappings for ransom and targeted killings in upscale neighborhoods like DHA and Gulberg.

The victims: A father and son in blue

Sub-Inspector Muhammad Afzal, 52, had 30 years of service in the Lahore police force. His son, Head Constable Muhammad Usman, 28, was a five-year veteran assigned to the Gulberg police station. Constable Muhammad Ali, 34, was a relative newcomer, having joined the force just two years ago.

Neighbors described the family as close-knit, with Afzal’s wife and Usman’s wife both living in the same DHA Phase VI house. The attack has left three widows and six children without their fathers. A condolence reference is scheduled at Gulberg police station on Friday, where senior officers and local politicians are expected to attend.

What happens next?

Police have sealed off the DHA area and are canvassing for witnesses. A reward of Rs 5 million has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the third suspect, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the attack. Authorities have also increased security at police stations across Lahore, particularly those involved in counter-terrorism operations.

Forensic teams are still processing the crime scene, including bullet casings and surveillance footage from nearby cameras. The CTD and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been called in to assist, with sources saying the case may soon be handed over to a joint investigation team (JIT).

What you should do

  • If you have any information about the attack or the suspects, contact the Lahore police helpline at 15 or Crime Investigation Department (CID) at 042-99203333.
  • Avoid spreading unverified rumors on social media, as this can hamper investigations.
  • If you live in DHA or Gulberg, report suspicious activity to your nearest police post immediately.
  • The Punjab Police website (www.punjabpolice.gov.pk) has a ‘Report Crime’ portal where you can submit tips anonymously.

Timeline of key events

  • Wednesday, 11 June 2025, around 9:30 PM: Three police officers shot dead in DHA Phase VI, Lahore. The attackers flee in a white Toyota Corolla.
  • Thursday, 12 June 2025, early morning: Recovered vehicle found in Model Town with GPS tracker and hidden microphone.
  • Thursday, 12 June 2025, afternoon: Mahnoor Shahzadi, daughter of slain target killer Fayyaz Butt, arrested. Her phone and social media being forensically examined.
  • Friday, 13 June 2025: Condolence reference at Gulberg police station. Police announce Rs 5 million reward for third suspect.
  • Ongoing: CTD and FIA assisting in investigation. Case may be handed to a joint investigation team (JIT).

What to watch next

  • Arrests of additional suspects: Police are expected to name more accused in the coming days.
  • Forensic reports: Results from the mobile phone analysis and voice recordings could reveal new leads.
  • Political fallout: Opposition parties have demanded a judicial inquiry, while the government insists the ‘Afghani Task’ will continue.
  • Security measures: Increased police presence in DHA and Gulberg is likely to remain in place for weeks.
  • Compensation for families: The Punjab government typically announces ex-gratia payments for martyred officers, though no official amount has been confirmed yet.

Police have urged the public to stay calm and cooperate with investigations. The attack has sent shockwaves through Lahore’s law enforcement community, with many officers demanding better protection for their families.

This story will be updated as more details emerge.