Lahore police have cracked the city’s first murder case of 2025, uncovering a chilling story of betrayal, greed, and a deadly family feud. The victim, Muhammad Riyaz, was shot and killed on January 1 in Lahore’s Sabzazar area. Shockingly, the assassination was orchestrated by Riyaz’s own brother-in-law, Imtiaz, who hired a contract killer for an unusual payment: two Umrah tickets, a motorcycle, and Rs. 30,000.
Deadly Family Conflict
The motive behind the murder traces back to a property dispute between Imtiaz and his wife. Imtiaz had transferred their house into his wife’s name, but after a domestic argument, he demanded it be returned. When his wife refused, stating that she would seek advice from her brother Riyaz, tensions escalated. Imtiaz’s wife eventually moved in with Riyaz, which only fueled the conflict further.
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In an attempt to resolve the issue, Imtiaz hired Usman, a contract killer, to murder Riyaz. The price for the job was agreed upon as two Umrah tickets, a motorcycle, and Rs. 30,000. This grim arrangement would ultimately lead to Riyaz’s tragic death.
Murder in Broad Daylight
On the fateful day, Riyaz was out shopping with his wife in the Badami Bagh area. Usman, accompanied by Imtiaz, approached Riyaz, and Usman shot him dead in broad daylight. In a shocking twist, Usman even attended Riyaz’s funeral, seemingly pretending to mourn the loss of the man he had just killed.
Investigation Unveils the Truth
The breakthrough in the case came through modern investigative tools. Lahore police tracked Usman by analyzing Safe City cameras and call data records. A critical phone call received by Riyaz just before his murder led authorities to the suspect. Upon arrest, Usman confessed to the crime, implicating Imtiaz as the mastermind behind the plot. The police swiftly arrested Usman, but Imtiaz remains at large. Authorities are continuing their efforts to capture him and have promised the public that his arrest is imminent.
Rising Trend of Family Violence
The murder of Riyaz is not an isolated incident. In recent months, Punjab has witnessed a disturbing rise in family-related violence. In Fort Abbas, Bahawalnagar district, a woman and her two sons were arrested for murdering her husband, Muhammad Iqbal, and burying his body in their courtyard. The crime was uncovered when Iqbal’s mother reported him missing and raised suspicions.
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Another horrific incident in Nawabshah saw a mother murder her two children by slitting their throats. These events highlight the alarming increase in family disputes turning deadly, with tragic consequences.