PESHAWAR: The Christian community, while expressing dissatisfaction over the police investigation, has demanded that the Peshawar High Court chief justice, KP chief minister and inspector general of police apprehend and prosecute the “real” culprits behind the brutal killing of Dawood Raphael, who was killed under mysterious circumstances on August 10.

During a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Thursday, followed by a protest demonstration, community leaders including Dawood’s uncle and nursing superintendent at SHPD Peshawar Shamon Farhan Bhatti, Pastor Yusuf TM Azam, Bishop Chaplain; Pastor Aamir William; Pastor George Ghulam and others strongly condemned the murder.

Dawood Raphael, an educated Christian youth, was murdered under mysterious circumstances. The victim was the sole breadwinner for his widowed mother and sisters.

Despite having received over 50 awards and certificates for his achievements in education and sports, Dawood’s murderers remain at large, they said.

His family and Christian community leaders alleged that the police investigation was not satisfactory in the case, saying that the real perpetrators had not yet been arrested.

Visibly stressed, Dawood’s sisters pleaded with the media for answers on why their brother was killed and why the culprits remained free. Fazal Mola of the Pakistan Nursing Council denounced the murder, calling for accountability and emphasising that no one had the right to decide about the other person’s life. He urged the police to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation.

Following the press conference, the Christian community members staged a protest, holding banners and placards demanding justice for Dawood and the identification and punishment of those responsible for his murder.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2024