Syed Ali Musa Gillani questions CCD ‘encounter’, seeks transparency over Faisalabad killing

Syed Ali Musa Gillani has questioned a CCD “encounter” killing in Faisalabad, demanding transparency and accountability after a man with no known criminal record was shot dead during a police operation.

WEBDESK – MediaBites – January 4, 2026

PPP’s MNA, Syed Ali Musa Gillani, has raised serious questions over the killing of Shahzad Athangal, who was shot dead in Faisalabad in what the Crime Control Department (CCD) described as an “encounter,” calling for transparency and accountability from authorities.

In a detailed statement, Gillani said that based on available records, Athangal had no known criminal history. He was not named in any FIR, was not a proclaimed offender, and had no registered criminal cases in Multan. According to Gillani, Athangal was a landlord and businessman, with documented property ownership, registered agreements, and lawful financial records.

Gillani said Athangal had travelled to Faisalabad for meetings and “did not return alive,” adding that no verifiable evidence has so far been placed before the public by the CCD or the Punjab Police to justify the use of lethal force.

“When the state uses lethal force, particularly against someone with no prior criminal record, it must explain why arrest and judicial process were not possible and under what legal authority force was used,” Gillani said. “These are not confrontational questions; they are basic requirements of lawful governance.”

He emphasized that a young family has lost a husband and father, and their demand is not rhetoric or speculation, but clarity. “What evidence led to this outcome?” he asked.

Gillani stressed that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect the lives of its citizens, not end them without due process. He said he is repeatedly questioned by the public about so-called encounters carried out “without evidence, without charges, and without transparency.”

“If not the Punjab government, then who is accountable?” he asked, warning that silence would not erase responsibility. He called on authorities to either present clear, verifiable justification for the killing or order an independent and impartial inquiry to determine responsibility and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The CCD and Punjab Police have yet to publicly respond to the concerns raised.