DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A local magistrate in Paharpur on Wednesday granted the police permission to exhume the body of Adil, who allegedly died by suicide after his 11-year-old daughter was given in Vani by a so-called tribal court.

The exhumation and postmortem are scheduled for Friday at 10am, the police said.

They said the prosecution branch had sought permission from the local magistrate to exhume Adil’s body and determine the cause of death.

Investigation in-charge Zameer Hussain submitted the request to the Paharpur magistrate’s court, which subsequently approved the exhumation.

Adil allegedly took his own life after being coerced by a local tribal council (panchayat) into giving his 11-year-old daughter as Vani -- a tribal custom where young girls are handed over to settle disputes. Before his suicide, Adil recorded an audio message, which has now been sent for forensic analysis.

So far, five suspects have been arrested, while two suspects, Malik Inayatullah and Ramzan, have obtained pre-arrest bail.

The suspects in police custody will soon be presented in the court.

Adil’s mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination to verify the authenticity of his final audio message.

SP Gohar Ali Khan said that the police were conducting a thorough investigation and that no compromises would be made in this case.

He clarified that the case was registered by the SHO Paharpur as Adil’s family did not initially file a report.

The SP emphasised that the police acted swiftly, arresting the main suspect on the spot. He stated, “The law is equal for everyone, and justice will be delivered.”

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025