FAISALABAD: Four people were killed when two rival groups opened fire inside the emergency ward of Civil Hospital Faisalabad on Friday afternoon, triggering panic among patients and their families.

According to initial reports, the clash between the groups had first erupted at their homes earlier in the day. Later, both sides arrived at the hospital to obtain medico-legal certificates (MLCs). When they came face-to-face in the emergency ward, a heated argument broke out and quickly escalated into gunfire.

Hospital officials confirmed that three people, including two real brothers, died on the spot while two others sustained serious injuries. One of the injured later succumbed to his wounds during treatment, raising the death toll to four.

The sudden gunfire sent shockwaves through the hospital, forcing patients, attendants, and staff to rush out of the emergency ward. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as people screamed and scrambled for safety.

Police contingents reached the hospital shortly after the incident, cordoned off the area, and shifted the bodies to the morgue. Rescue teams moved the injured to the operation theatre, while forensic experts collected evidence from the crime scene.

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Authorities said a case would be registered against those involved, and teams had been constituted to trace and arrest the attackers.

Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar took notice of the incident and sought a report from the RPO Faisalabad.

According to a police spokesperson, the IG directed the CPO Faisalabad to ensure the immediate arrest of those involved, instructing that all available resources be utilised. The CPO, along with SSP Operations and SP Lyallpur, was present at the scene to oversee the investigation.