• DIG Jiskani, Mirpurkhas SSP suspended for 120 days
• Amnesty International joins calls for impartial inquiry into extrajudicial killing
• SHRC chief visits Mirpurkhas, Umerkot to ascertain facts

KARACHI: Members of civil society on Saturday continued their protest against the alleged extrajudicial killing of a doctor accused of blasphemy in Mirpurkhas, expressing lack of confidence in police inquiry and demanding a judicial inquiry into the matter.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has initiated its own investigation into the killing of the victim, Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar, in the alleged police ‘encounter.’

In Karachi, civil society and rights bodies staged a protest demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club against the extrajudicial killing of Dr Kumbhar. The protesters included retired Justice Majida Rizvi, Anis Haroon, Qazi Khizar, Nasir Mansoor, Ghazala Shafiq, Zehra Akbar, Ali Palh and others.

They demanded a judicial inquiry into the killing of the doctor and said they did not have trust in the inquiry being led by police to ascertain ‘facts’ of the case.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has also called for a “thorough, impartial and independent” probe into the killing of Dr Kumbhar as well as another blasphemy suspect, Abdul Ali, who was shot dead by police constable Saad Khan Sarhadi inside the lock-up of the Cantt police station in Quetta.

In a statement issued by Amnesty’s South Asia office, the organisation said: “Pakistani authorities should complete a thorough, impartial and independent investigation into the incidents, “ and called upon the government to “ensure those responsible are prosecuted in fair and transparent trials, without resorting to the death penalty”.

“The horrific spate of extrajudicial killings of people accused of blasphemy in Pakistan highlights the government’s ongoing failure to uphold their obligation to respect and protect human rights, including the right to life, freedom of religion or belief, and prohibition of discrimination,” the statement read.

SHRC visit

SHRC chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho visited Mirpurkhas and Umerkot to investigate the alleged police encounter and extrajudicial killing of Dr Kumbhar.

According to a press release, the SHRC team met with police authorities and government officials to inquire into the circumstances about the ongoing case.

Later, the SHRC held a detailed meeting with civil society representatives and the media at the Circuit House, Mirpurkhas, where they were informed about steps being taken by the commission, the status of the inquiry and the future action plan.

The SHRC chairperson emphasised the commission’s commitment to provide legal protection to the deceased’s family and ensuring a transparent investigation into the matter.

Prior to this, he met with the bereaved family to offer support and promised all possible assistance.

Mirpurkhas DIG, 9 other officials suspended

Meanwhile, the Sindh government on Saturday suspended DIG-Mirpurkhas Javed Jiskani and SSP-Mirpurkhas Asad Ali and eight other policemen.

According to a notification issued by the Sindh chief secretary, “their charge sheets/statement of allegations shall be issued separately.”

It further said the headquarters of the DIG and SSP during the period of their suspension shall be at the Central Police Office in Karachi.

A letter from the Establishment Division, issued on Friday, stated that the officers’ suspension was confirmed for a period of 120 days. It also sought the charge sheet from the Sindh government at the earliest.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2024