A dispute over the exchange of 30 marlas of land in Peshawar’s Mathra area has allegedly led to the killing of three nephews by their uncle, while a passerby was also injured in the firing. The three victims left behind nine children.

According to police, the incident took place on July 23 at Abdul Wahab Banda Bridge in Mathra. Nisar Ahmed told police that his brother, Iftikhar Ahmed, opened fire on his sons Arif Ahmed, Ashfaq and Ishaq.

Nisar said Iftikhar first shot and injured his nephew Arif. Ashfaq and Ishaq then went after their injured brother, but the accused allegedly opened fire on them as well, killing both.

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According to Nisar, he tried to enter a relative’s house to save his life, but the accused also fired at him. A passerby, Mohabbat Shah, was caught in the firing and injured.

Ashfaq and Ishaq died at the scene, while Arif was taken to hospital, where he remained on a ventilator for 20 days before succumbing to his injuries.

Nisar said Arif was also Iftikhar Ahmed’s son-in-law. He said several jirgas had been held over the distribution of the property, and under a jirga decision, 30 marlas of land were exchanged with Iftikhar. However, the dispute continued despite the settlement.

Nisar said the land dispute ultimately claimed the lives of his three sons, leaving their nine children without fathers.

Police have registered a case against Iftikhar Ahmed under charges of murder of three people and attempted murder.