Minister orders probe into acid attack case

Staff Report

LAHORE: Punjab Law minister Rana Ijaz Ahmad Khan has directed the Lower Mall police station to register a murder case against the in-laws of acid-burns victim Tahmina Fazal of Mohni Road, with instructions to send a First Information Report to Gujrat police for further investigation, an official statement announced yesterday.

The law minister also directed Lower Mall police Station House Officer Iftikhar Jafari to change the 174 PPC report recording accidental death to a 302 PPC murder case. He urgently requested the deceased’s complete medical records at Aziz Bhatti hospital, Gujrat. Mr Jafari was also instructed to the authorities to ensure an autopsy was completed, adding the government would ensure the protection of the rights of women and children.

The Minister later paid a surprise visit to Mayo Hospital and inquired with medical staff over the cause of Ms Fazal’s death. The minister’s anger was apparent when he was told that the autopsy has not yet completed due to police delays. He directed the authorities to complete all legal requirements immediately.

The parents of deceased, who were also present, told the minister that Ms Fazal’s death came after acid was thrown over her. They alleged her in-laws were responsible and demanded their arrest.

The minister condemned the incident and said the Pakistan Human Rights Commission would plead the case without charge. He was accompanied by PHRC senior advocates Sadia Khalid and Mian Akhtar.

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