TikToker Zafar Iqbal Gondal and nephew shot dead in Mandi Bahauddin ambush
The two were travelling home when armed men opened fire on their car. Zafar Iqbal Gondal, 48, and his nephew Husnain Gondal, 30, were residents of Seera village. They were returning after attending a court hearing in Phalia when the attack took place.
Armed men open fire on car
According to police sources, the attackers targeted the vehicle near Seera village on Qadirabad Road. The area falls within the limits of Phalia police station in Mandi Bahauddin district.
Both men suffered multiple bullet wounds and died at the scene. Their car went into a roadside ditch after the gunfire.
Police collect evidence
Police teams and Punjab Forensic Science Agency officials reached the location after receiving information about the double murder. Investigators collected evidence from the scene as part of the initial investigation.
The bodies were taken to Phalia THQ Hospital. Doctors completed the autopsies before the bodies were handed over to the families.
TikToker was active on social media
Zafar Gondal was known as a TikToker and local social media activist. He frequently criticised political opponents and area politicians through his TikTok videos.
His social media activity had made him a known figure in the local community. Police have not yet publicly established a motive for the attack.
Police ordered to arrest suspects
Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Kareem took notice of the double murder. He sought a report from the Gujranwala regional police officer and ordered authorities to trace and arrest those responsible.
Mandi Bahauddin police said several teams have been formed to identify and arrest the suspects. Investigators are continuing efforts to determine who carried out the attack and why.
FIA arrests wanted human trafficker
In a separate development, the Federal Investigation Agency said it arrested a wanted “human trafficker” during a crackdown. The suspect was listed in the FIA’s 2025 red book.
An FIA official identified the suspect as Arshad from Bhalwal in Sargodha district. His name appears on page 96 of the 2025 red book, according to the official.
Suspect wanted in Italy fraud cases
The FIA said Arshad was wanted by its Gujrat circle in several cases linked to alleged illegal immigration and financial fraud. One case was registered on November 14, 2024, under Sections 17/22 of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979.
According to the FIA, the suspect allegedly took Rs3.2 million from a complainant by promising to send his son to Italy. The case was registered as No 364/24.
Another case involves Rs2 million
The FIA said another case was also registered against the suspect on the same day. In that case, the suspect allegedly took Rs2 million after promising to send the complainant to Italy.
The case was registered as No 365/24 under Sections 17/22 of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979. The agency said further legal action would follow against the arrested suspect.
The killing of Zafar Gondal and his nephew has raised serious questions about security in the area. The police investigation will be important in identifying the attackers and establishing the motive.
The separate FIA arrest also highlights the risks faced by people seeking overseas employment or travel through unofficial channels. Authorities continue to warn against handing large amounts of money to people who make promises about sending individuals abroad.
Also read: Another Pakistani TikToker Ayesha Shamsu Bibi shot dead in Taxila attack
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