RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN — Alayan Johnson, a 22-year-old Christian auto-rickshaw driver and the sole provider for his eight-member family, is fighting for his recovery in a Punjab hospital after being shot nine times at close range by a Dolphin police unit. The incident, which authorities have called a case of “mistaken identity,” has sparked outrage as the victim’s family reports facing severe intimidation from law enforcement to halt the investigation.

The shooting occurred immediately after Johnson dropped off a passenger. Unbeknownst to Johnson, the passenger was a wanted suspect. When the “Dolphin Force”—an elite branch of the Punjab Police tasked with combating street crime—confronted them, the suspect fired at the officers and fled the scene.

Instead of pursuing the fleeing suspect, officers opened fire directly on the unarmed Johnson from a distance of just 12 feet. Johnson sustained critical injuries to his legs, thighs, neck, and stomach. He survived a direct shot to his chest only because the bullet was deflected by the mobile phone in his shirt pocket.

According to medical staff at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, the extensive injuries may leave Johnson permanently paralyzed in one leg.

Systemic Pressure and Coercion

In addition to the physical trauma, Johnson and his family are experiencing severe institutional pressure. In a video statement recorded from his hospital bed, Johnson revealed that police initially coerced him into signing a false statement at the Sadiqabad police station, which falsely blamed the fleeing suspect for his injuries. He later corrected his statement from the hospital, confirming that the police shot him despite him being unarmed and cooperative.

Human rights advocates monitoring the situation report that the Dolphin Force has since subjected the Johnson family to relentless threats, warning of “severe consequences” if they do not withdraw their legal complaints.

While senior law enforcement officials in Rawalpindi have suspended and filed charges against the four officers involved, local advocates remain skeptical about whether a fair trial can occur under the current conditions of police intimidation. The Dolphin Force has previously faced heavy criticism from civil society organizations for systemic abuse of power and extrajudicial violence.

Justiceforth.org will continue to monitor the investigation to ensure accountability for Alayan Johnson and to push for protection for his family as they seek legal recourse.