ISLAMABAD, Nov 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has noted with concern a news item appearing in a section of the press in which it has been reported that a woman, Ms Afshin, allegedly a victim of honour killing, had died in mysterious circumstances in Multan.

The president has directed the authorities concerned to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident and determine whether her death was a result of honour killing.

The president reiterated the government’s firm commitment to upholding human rights of all citizens.

He said violation of human rights was absolutely against the charter of our great religion Islam, which called for mutual respect and tolerance.

President Musharraf said if the deceased was made a victim of honour killing, the culprit should be held accountable in accordance with the law.

He said crimes against women were against all norms of civilized society and therefore intolerable.

The President recalled that the government had been striving for sensitizing the people on according due status and dignity to women in society and encouraged enlightened debate on the issue on the electronic media.—APP