NAROWAL: The police claimed on Tuesday to have arrested the suspect who killed the mother of five children.

Narowal District Police Officer Rana Tahir Rehman Khan said in a press conference that two days ago an unknown person tortured and killed 32-year-old Maimona Bibi, a mother of five, at Saidu Dera village.

He said investigation and raiding teams were formed under the leadership of Shakargarh DSP Rai Ehsan Elahi.

The DPO said the police has traced and arrested suspect Asif Masih in 24 hours using human intelligence source and modern technology. Rana Tahir Rahman Khan said the husband of the deceased works as a labourer in Lahore and has five children.

He said the initial investigation revealed that the suspect wanted to have an illicit relationship with the woman and killed her on her refusal.

The DPO said Asif Masih was the neighbour of the deceased woman.

DSP Rai Ehsan Elahi told Dawn that Asif Masih was also present at the funeral of the deceased woman. He said the suspect tortured the woman and tried to gouge out her eye with a sharp weapon.

He said the police had tried to arrest him on the basis of preliminary investigation and evidence, but he escaped.

DPO Rana Tahir said Asif confessed to killing the woman.

The DPO also announced cash reward and certificate of appreciation for police teams.

Sikh pilgrims: A 40-member delegation of Sikh pilgrims from the US and Canada visited Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on Tuesday.

The gurdwara’s administration warmly received the pilgrims with flower garlands and bouquets.

The pilgrims engaged in religious rituals and paid their respects at the samadhi and grave of Guru Nanak, the revered founder of the Sikh religion. The delegation also explored Kanwan Sahib, Museum Sahib, and Mazail Sahib.

The administration briefed the delegation with insights into the corridor and the various facilities available to Sikh pilgrims. The pilgrims enjoyed a meal at Baba Guru Nanak’s Langar Hall.

Dewan Sikh and Karan Singh praised the Pakistani government for setting a global example by ensuring fundamental rights and complete religious freedom for minorities.

They acknowledged Pakistan’s message of love and peace to the world through the Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Darbar Sahib projects.

The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur administration also presented gifts to the pilgrims.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023