July 10, 2007	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 24, 1428

LAHORE, July 9: The Lahore High Court on Monday rejected the appeal of Maulvi Sarwar, sentenced to death by an anti-terrorism court in the murder case of Punjab social welfare minister Zille Huma.

The accused had gunned down the minister in front of party workers in Gujranwala on Feb 20 this year because he was opposed to women’s role in politics.

Arrested on the spot, Sarwar had told police that women should not hold senior positions. He said it was against the rule of God and was an attempt to subjugate men.

Zille Huma, 36, a mother of two boys, was an active member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League.

She was taken to the local DHQ Hospital and then airlifted to the General Hospital in Lahore, but she died during a surgery.

Before killing Huma, the accused had been charged with murdering four model girls and injuring a dozen others some four years ago, but was acquitted by a local court for lack of evidence.

Police investigation could not find evidence that Sarwar had links with any extremist group. —Staff Reporter