April 17, 2008	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 10, 1429

TAXILA, April 16: A rape victim and her father have alleged that the family of the accused is pressing them to withdraw the case and reach an out-of-court settlement, otherwise the entire household will “face the consequences”.

Speaking at a news conference here on Wednesday, the 10-year-old girl and her father, a resident of Kot Daudo in Hassanabdal, called upon Punjab Chief Minister Dost Mohammad Khosa and non-governmental originations (NGOs) to play their role in providing protection to their family, besides extending free legal aid.

The father accused Asad Shah, who also resides in the same locality, of committing the heinous crime.

He said he belonged to the poor class and could not afford the legal expenses. According to him, his wife works as a domestic servant in Wah Cantonment.

The man feared that if he was not provided protection and legal help, the life of all of his family members would be in danger.