Pakistan arrests its own counter-terrorism officials

Pakistan: On Sunday Associated Press Pakistan (APP) reported that Pakistani authorities have arrested more than a dozen counter-terrorism officials.

The arrests came a day after Pakistani counter-terrorism officials were accused of shooting a middle-aged couple, their teenage daughter and a family friend, in what counter-terrorism officials at the time described as a shootout with Islamic State militants.

Relatives and witnesses say the victims were shot in cold blood.

According to Dawn, a Pakistani newspaper, relatives of the family are holding a sit-in protest in Sahiwal against the killings and have not allowed officials to remove the bodies.

Pakistani television aired footage of the family’s son, according to Dawn, saying his family was traveling to a wedding when police began shooting at them. He said there were no weapons in the car.

Dawn reports witnesses confirmed no weapons were fired from the car.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Twitter: “While the CTD has done a great job in fight against terrorism, everyone must be accountable before the law.”

While the CTD has done a great job in fight against terrorism, everyone must be accountable before the law. As soon as JIT report comes, swift action will be taken. The govt's priority is protection of all its citizens. https://t.co/Vek2YHLmKQ

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 20, 2019

Still shocked at seeing the traumatized children who saw their parents shot before their eyes. Any parent would be shocked as they would think of their own children in such a traumatic situation. These children will now be fully looked after by the state as its responsibility.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 20, 2019