Lahore, August 3, 2026: The investigation into the murder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Abdullah Tahir has taken a significant turn after investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that his movements were monitored through drone surveillance before the deadly attack. Police believe the drone reconnaissance may have played a key role in planning the targeted killing.
According to investigation officials, Lahore Police have arrested six suspects on charges of facilitating the crime, while the alleged gunmen remain at large. Authorities have launched raids at multiple locations to apprehend the principal attackers and dismantle the network behind the murder.
Investigators revealed that reports of drone activity near Abdullah Tahir’s residence were examined after the incident. The suspects are alleged to have used drone cameras to monitor the PTI leader’s routine and movements before carrying out the attack. Police are also investigating claims that a substantial amount of money was spent on acquiring surveillance equipment used in the planning process.
The investigation further found that the attackers travelled in a rented vehicle fitted with fake registration plates. After the shooting, the suspects allegedly replaced the fake plates with the vehicle’s original registration in an apparent attempt to avoid detection. The vehicle was reportedly rented from Gujranwala.
Police sources identified a suspect, Arslan Jatt, as the individual who allegedly transported the gunmen from Gujranwala to Lahore before the attack. Meanwhile, investigators believe the alleged mastermind, identified as Zaman alias Gogi Butt, is currently residing abroad. Authorities are preparing to seek an international red notice to facilitate his arrest and extradition through legal channels.
The case has now been transferred to Lahore’s Crime Control Department (CCD), where DSP Hasnain Haider of the CCD Model Town unit will lead the investigation. Officials said the transfer was made after investigators identified the suspected shooters and expanded the scope of the inquiry into the planning and execution of the murder.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on arresting the remaining suspects, verifying the alleged use of drone surveillance, and determining the full extent of the conspiracy behind Abdullah Tahir’s killing.
