MIRANSHAH: Four people, including two women, were killed and two others injured after rival groups exchanged gunfire over a land dispute in Baka Khel, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, on Wednesday.

According to Baka Khel police, the incident occurred in a mountainous area within the police jurisdiction after the two groups confronted each other over a dispute involving road use. The disagreement quickly escalated into an armed clash, resulting in multiple casualties.

Police identified three victims from one side as two women, referred to as Ms A and Ms M, and a man identified as Muhammad Azim. A man identified as Nafid was killed on the opposing side.

Two other men, Awal Khan and Majidullah, sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and were shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.

Following the incident, Sub-Division Wazir Deputy Superintendent of Police Hafeez ur Rehman reached the area with a police contingent and assessed the situation. Police cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence as part of the investigation.

Police registered separate cases against both parties based on complaints from members of each side. Police said further investigation was underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the clash and determine those responsible.

The incident highlights the continuing risks posed by land and property disputes in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where such disagreements can sometimes escalate into deadly violence.