September 23, 2007	Sunday	Ramazan 10, 1428

THATTA, Sept 22: While condemning torture of a French research scholar by the DPO Investigation Thatta, Deputy leader of opposition in Sindh Assembly and human rights activists, legislators and other leaders of civil society from throughout the province have demanded immediate dismissal of the officer and registration of a criminal case against him.

Makhdoom Jamiluzzaman, MPAs Sassui Palijo and Humera Alwani, Noor Naz Agha President Human Rights International Alliance, Abdul Wahid Arisar, Ghulam Hussain Rangrez and others through their statements have said that the police officer has defamed Pakistan in the comity of nations hence the officer should be dismissed from service and a criminal case should be lodged against him.

Meanwhile, DIG Hyderabad, Commander (Rtd) Shoukat Ali Shah recorded statements of the victim scholar, Ms Florence alias Farida Boryak, the aggressor DPO Investigation Shoukat Shahani, some citizens and eye witnesses including her guide, Wazir Qureshi at DPO operation office at Makli late Friday.

On Saturday morning, DCO Thatta, Mohammad Usman Panhwar summoned the guide, Wazir Qureshi in his office and ascertained facts of the story.

Sindh Chief Minister Dr.Arbab Ghulam Rahim established contact with the DCO and directed him to normalise the situation. The chief minister also spoke to the guide, Wazir Qureshi.

Apparently composed but desperate, the scholar, Ms Florence alias Farida Boryak when asked by Dawn to comment on the demand of political leaders contended “She has left justice to Allah and is worried only about her research papers”.

“I intend to continue my mission without wasting my time” she said and added, I do not want to be publicised or politicised, please leave me”.

Meanwhile PPP activists led by Imtiaz Qureshi, took out a procession to protest against the incident. PPP District President Arbab Wazir Ahmed Memon, former MNA Babu Ghulam Hussain and others spoke on the occasion.