KARACHI, Jan 15: The chief of the Almani tribe, Sardar Mohammad Usman Almani, has said that no tribal jirga has been convened in the case of Shaista Almani.

In a statement faxed to Dawn on Thursday, Mr Almani said that he had been shocked to read baseless stories in the press about the Shaista Almani case. "Karokari is a condemnable and vulgar act of human rights violations. Sardars do not kill their tribesmen for such ridiculous traditions. Sardars are, and should be, a symbol of literacy and strength for their tribes.

"Ms Almani is free to choose her own path and lifestyle as far as the tribe is concerned. She should be given full protection by the government so that no innocent girl is brutally murdered in the name of 'honour'."

Mr Almani assured Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad that the tribal jirga had neither declared Shaista a "kari" nor had it called for her execution, adds APP. According to a Governor House spokesman, the assurance was given by Mr Almani when the governor, who is in Islamabad, contacted him on Wednesday.