LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday issued notices to the suspects charged with killing a British-Pakistani woman, on an application filed by her second husband seeking transfer of the murder trial from Jhelum to Lahore.

Petitioner Syed Mukhtar Kazim, also complainant in the case, contended through his counsel Malik Awais Khalid that the suspects, including the father and first husband of Samia Shahid, were influential in Jhelum city and could affect the trial proceedings. He said the prosecution had submitted charge sheet against the suspects before the trial court of Jhelum.

However, he said, the suspects held a position that could hamper dispensation of justice. A joint investigation team constituted in the case also recommended transfer of the trial, he added. Therefore, the petitioner asked the court to transfer the trial to Lahore.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah adjourned hearing till June 14 and issued notices to the suspects.

Samia Shahid, a dual national, had last year visited Jhelum to see her ailing father in their village. Initially, the family claimed that she died a natural death. However, Mr Kazim alleged that she was murdered by her family for “honour”.

Mangla police had registered a case on the complainant of Mr Kazim and later arrested Samia’s father Muhammad Shahid and former husband Muhammad Shakeel, who also happened to be her cousin.

Police also charged Shakeel with raping the victim. Samia’s mother and sister, also nominated suspects, escaped abroad and were still at large.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2017