A police officer was killed in an apparent case of mistaken identity after personnel opened fire on a private vehicle in Sindh’s Shikarpur district, authorities said.
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According to police officials, Station House Officer (SHO) Ali Hassan, who was serving at Lakhi Ghulam Shah police station, was travelling in his newly purchased private car when the incident occurred. Officials said the vehicle did not yet have a registration number plate, which allegedly led officers from Gulolo Daro police to suspect the car and open fire.
The firing resulted in fatal injuries to SHO Ali Hassan, who died during the incident. Police authorities said the shooting appeared to have been triggered by a misunderstanding, with officers allegedly identifying the unregistered vehicle as suspicious. Following the incident, the police official involved in the firing was taken into custody for questioning.
The case has sparked concern over operational protocols and use-of-force procedures by law enforcement personnel during vehicle checks and suspicion-based interventions. Senior authorities have also taken notice of the matter. Inspector General of Sindh Police has ordered an inquiry into the incident and sought a detailed report from the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Larkana.
Officials said the report will examine the circumstances leading to the firing, assess whether standard operating procedures were followed, and determine responsibility. The death of a serving SHO in police firing has raised serious questions regarding communication gaps and verification mechanisms used by officers in the field.
No further details have been released about whether the officers attempted to stop or identify the vehicle before opening fire. Authorities have said a full investigation is underway and disciplinary or legal action will follow based on inquiry findings.
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The incident has also prompted renewed debate over the risks associated with firing at allegedly suspicious vehicles without full verification. Further updates are expected once the inquiry report is submitted to senior police leadership.