A couple and their four-year-old son were brutally murdered in the Ghaghar Phatak area of Karachi’s Steel Town on Wednesday, police said.

The victims were identified as Abdul Majeed (30), his wife Sakina (25), and their son Abdul Nabi. The family was reportedly attacked with axes inside their home. Police suspect they may have been drugged before the attack, as no screams or disturbances were reported by neighbours.

According to Steel Town SHO Aslam Billu, the couple had married of their own choice in Lasbela over five years ago, against the wishes of Sakina’s family.

They moved to Karachi about eight months ago. Although Sakina's family had reportedly reconciled with the couple and even visited them recently, police believe the murder was likely carried out by her relatives, who may not have truly let go of their grievances. 

Notably, the day before the murders, Sakina's brother had come to visit her and gone shopping with the couple. 

According to SHO Aslam Billu, Majeed’s brother, Imam Bux, received a call from an alleged killer, informing him that the family had been murdered and asking him to come and bury them. Imam Bux and another brother, Qurban, had been living with Majeed’s family in Karachi but had recently returned to Lasbela for agricultural work.

Qurban called his friend Munawar Abro after the call and asked him to ascertain the facts. Abro arrived at Majeed's place, and he found the three family members lying dead inside.

The bodies were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for legal formalities after police were informed. During the investigation, police recovered two blood-stained axes and other evidence from the scene. 

The police waited for the legal heirs to file a formal complaint and start their legal proceedings.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar took notice of the murders, sought a detailed report from the Karachi police chief, and ordered that the suspects be arrested without delay.

The home minister also directed that peace in the area be ensured, the spokesperson added.