SC warns to shift Asma Rani murder case from KP in case of 'pressure'

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked on Tuesday that in case they see ‘pressure’ being exerted in the Asma Rani murder case, the investigation will be shifted out of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Asma, a third-year medical student in Abbottabad, was in her hometown of Kohat on vacation when, on January 27, Mujahid Afridi allegedly opened fire on her over a marriage proposal.

Mujahid, the nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) district president Aftab Alam, left the country after the incident but his accomplice and brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, was nabbed by the police later.

Hearing the suo motu case today, the court summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry over his claims of KP police's 'professionalism' but he did not appear in court.  

Later, addressing PTI’s Kohat District President Aftab Alam, the chief justice remarked that they had observed that Pashtuns are very honourable.

“Why did you let your nephew escape?” the chief justice asked, adding that the suspect killed the girl and is now hiding.

The chief justice then instructed Alam to produce his nephew before the authorities, adding that if he succeeds in doing so, he will be regarded an honourable man.

Addressing KP Inspector General of Police Salahuddin Mehsud, the chief justice asked him to remain steadfast. 

The KP police chief assured the court that there is no political interference in the case and added that sometimes investigation of such cases takes time.

Moreover, regarding PTI plea to remove its name from the case, the court ruled that the party’s name will not be removed at any cost, observing that the affected family is alleging PTI’s role in the case.

Earlier, the chief justice had remarked that PTI criticises the performance of police of other provinces while calling the force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 'exceptional'. 

KP police pressuring to retract statement on murder case, says Asma’s sister

Safia Rania had earlier said that Police did not provide adequate security to her sister despite knowing threats by Mujahid Afridi

During the hearing, Federal Investigation Agency Director General Bashir Memon informed the court that he did not know whether the prime suspect was in Dubai or Saudia Arabia. 

He said the suspect killed Asma with proper planning and then fled the country.

The chief justice asked whether any family member of the deceased was present in court. 

An official of the KP police informed the court that they could present the family members if the Supreme Court orders, to which the chief justice responded saying "do not 'present' them in court, we will respectfully invite them". 

The hearing was then adjourned. 

Asma murder case: Saudi Interpol's help sought to apprehend main accused

Court approved a three-day remand of Mujahid's brother and accomplice Sadiq today

On Saturday, police claimed to have arrested another accomplice, Shahzeb, who assisted Mujahid in fleeing the country.

Safia Rani, Asma's sister, has alleged that the KP police was pressurising her to retract and not issue any statement questioning their performance on her sister's murder case.

Safia had earlier said that the law-enforcement authority did not provide adequate security to her sister despite being aware of the threats given by the relative of PTI's district president to her sister.

“If Zainab’s killer can be arrested immediately then why can’t my sister’s,” she questioned, referring to the Kasur serial killer caught by Punjab police. 

“The KP police has called me a number of times and told me not to give any statement on their performance, and to take back my earlier statement,” she added.

“I wont remain silent till the arrest of Mujahid Afridi. I only want justice for my sister," Safia said.