ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on Tuesday demanded that terrorism provisions be considered in the high-profile murder case of Ahmed Javed in Lahore and decided to summon the Punjab prosecutor general in its next meeting for further clarification.

The committee, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, met to review progress in the murder investigation, examine the performance of child protection institutions and address the alarming rise in drug use among students in educational institutions. Several members of the committee attended the session and took part in an extensive discussion on the issues at hand.

During the briefing on Ahmed Javed’s murder, a representative of the Inspector General of Punjab Police informed lawmakers that all accused persons had been arrested and the challan submitted to court. He added that recoveries linked to the case had been completed.

However, committee members raised serious concerns over the gravity of the crime. It was pointed out that as many as 150 bullets were allegedly fired at the victim. Some senators questioned police conduct and the circumstances that led to such excessive violence, terming the incident deeply disturbing. The issue of whether any action had been taken against bystanders or officials who may have shown negligence was also raised.

The victim’s father appeared before the committee and narrated his account. He alleged that media coverage in the immediate aftermath of the incident had misrepresented the situation and unfairly linked his family’s name to reports of a dance party.

He maintained that his son had no prior meeting with the alleged assailant and claimed that certain police officials had connections with families of the accused.

He further stated that the trial had yet to formally begin and that proceedings were currently limited to bail hearings.

The grieving father also alleged that he had received threatening messages and that attempts were being made to shift blame onto security guards.

Responding to questions, the police representative said the case was under trial in a regular court.

He explained that Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act could only be invoked if the accused were linked to a proscribed organisation, adding that bail decisions were a judicial matter.

He said the provincial government had directed that the investigation be conducted strictly on merit and that police had completed their part.

Committee members expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the scale of violence warranted application of anti-terrorism laws. The chairperson observed that the committee’s role was to stand by victims and ensure justice without influence or favouritism.

The panel unanimously decided to summon the Punjab Prosecutor General and relevant investigation officers at its next session.

The meeting also examined conditions at the Child Protection Institute. The director general informed the committee that Rs30 per child per day had been allocated, prompting members to question how such a modest amount could meet basic needs. Concerns were also raised about the growing number of vulnerable children, including transgender minors who were often rejected by families.

On the issue of narcotics, officials from the Anti-Narcotics Force briefed the committee on nationwide operations. They reported arrests of over 110 individuals and seizure of more than four tonnes of drugs, with preventive campaigns launched in hundreds of universities and schools. The committee, however, called for measurable outcomes, clear timelines and a more aggressive strategy to curb drug use among youth.

The panel reiterated its demand for stronger legal action in serious crimes, improved funding for child welfare institutions and decisive steps to eliminate drugs from educational campuses and residential areas.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026