Tribunal dissatisfied with interim probe report
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LAHORE: The single-judge Model Town inquiry tribunal on Thursday expressed serious dissatisfaction at an interim investigation report on the June 17 incident by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
Headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, the tribunal observed that five meetings of the JIT had been held but it failed to come up with any progress in the investigation except correspondence among the institutions.
Earlier, DSP Saif Murtaza, a member of the JIT, submitted an interim report on the matter. He said members of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek were not cooperating with the team despite several requests.
Justice Najafi asked the DSP whether the JIT was facing undue pressure from any quarter. The officer, however, maintained that the JIT was holding its investigation independently.
Two witnesses allege PAT workers first opened fire on police
During the hearing, a regular report showing progress in the case investigation was submitted on behalf of the IGP.
The tribunal directed the IGP to provide details about action taken against police officials facing departmental inquiries for their alleged involvement in shooting outside Minhajul Quran Secretariat.
Meanwhile, it was stated on behalf of the CCPO that 11 injured persons had been served notices but they did not appear before the tribunal. Notices to 23 other injured were not served due to incorrect addresses available with the police.
Know more: Youth, women among seven killed in PAT clash with police
The tribunal reissued notice to them for July 9.
Additional Advocate General Hanif Khatana appeared before the tribunal and sought time to file reply to an application questioning legal status of the tribunal. Advocate Aftab Ahmad Bajwa filed the application. The tribunal asked the law officer for assistance on July 9.
Two locals appeared before the tribunal to record their statements being eyewitnesses of the incident. They alleged that it was workers of PAT who opened fire on the police first. The tribunal, however, directed them to file their affidavits and written statements.
The tribunal will resume hearing on Friday (today) when four injured eyewitnesses, presently at Jinnah Hospital, will be examined.
Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2014
