Despite the fact that the number of witnesses in Shahzeb Khan murder trial is going down by the day, the family is positive that justice will be served.
Two witnesses have denied in court that they saw the prime suspect, Shahrukh Jatoi, at the Country Club Apartments in DHA on December 25, 2012, when Shahzeb Khan, 20, was gunned down. Rumours are also abuzz that the victim’s family struck a deal with the influential defense.
Talking to Express News’ To The Point, Shahzeb’s mother Ambreen rejected these rumours. This is no ordinary case, she said, adding that she has resigned herself to God’s court.
“We held a press conference on March 18 specifically to quash such rumours,” she reminded, complaining that the event was not covered properly. “We filed a petition against the change of the prosecutor general and informed everyone about the pressure on our witnesses.”
The case is being dragged deliberately to wear out the witnesses, she insisted. Even the prosecutor has written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan complaining that her husband, DSP Aurangzeb, was not cooperating, she pointed out. “The reality is, however, that for the last month and a half, my husband has been going to the courts along with six witnesses every day.” Only one or two witnesses are allowed to speak while the others are asked to return another day.
“Some of these kids have gone back to resume their semesters at school,” she said, explaining how hard it is to gather witnesses. “They are educated people and they have colleges and offices to attend to. They cannot wait forever.”
The family is also upset with the callous attitude of the investigation officer. “He’s least bothered and acts as if it is the duty of the prosecution alone.” At an earlier episode of the same show, the family had denied rumours of cutting a deal with the suspects’ families.
Why did the witnesses retract their statement even though they were Shahzeb’s friends? “Everyone knows why witnesses change their versions,” said the mother. “Money is the name of the game.” Shahzeb’s family claimed they trust no one now and are afraid that other witnesses may withdraw as well. Nevertheless, Ambreen was optimistic that justice will be served. “If not in this world, the killers would definitely be served justice in the Hereafter.” She was grateful to the media and to the Chief Justice who was taking personal interest.
Is the family tempted to back down given the pressures, or will they fight till the end? “Peoples’ prayers are with us and we will not disappoint anyone,” she concluded.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 29th, 2013.
COMMENTS (21)
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@Jibran:
Is law of qasas n diyat was constructed by nawaz sharif?
do u have any knowledge on this?
@Donnydarko: so what you prefer be more justified in her case?
@Donnydarko: What justice she wants ? She wants to see sharukh Jatoi dead ? Then I’m sorry to say she is no different from the Feudals who like to equate justice with deaths and bloods !
What do you mean by your foolish and selfish remarks. Do you mean to say that justice should not be done in this gruesome and cold blooded murder case. ? Is that all you mean to say. That means you are siding with the murderer and when murderer gets away with it than people like you will jump and say that there is no justice in Pakistan. Man, you are a shame in this gentlemen's society. Not only Shahrukh Jatoi but all who are linked in this murder should be hanged till death will serve a notice to feudal land grabbers, looteras and corrupt people who amassed huge wealth through illegal means that they cannot get away with murders anymore in Pakistan. I am very confident that honor'able Chief Justice of Pakistan will not let the case swept under the carpet and let go the murderers Scott free. Only Almighty knows the truth
@donny darko
when you have a baby, the first thing you pray for is that he does not die in front of your eyes and that is the biggest biggest injury you can give anyone to a human being.
These people are already super rich, and influential. why would they take the money in the first place, and at what cost. people just say whatever comes within their minds. and so what if she wants revenge. how would you feel if someone just comes and kills your beloved for no reason. an eye for an eye maybe? also, she never states that she wants shahrukh jatoi killed she says she wants justice and to be very honest this is pakistan we are talking about, if he isnt hanged to death, he'll come out and kill some more people. There's nothing wrong with people wanting something. let them.
Aoa Madam I would request you not to accept any blood money nor any pressure. Every sincere citizen wants to prevail justice in Pakistan. You can save the future of young Pakistanis from such heinous crimes in the days to come from such wadaira capitalists. We are with you and we will be with you. God bless you .
@SN: Have they been hanged?
@Usman Ali: Sialkot brothers were served justice, you might want to update your records here's the link: http://paktribune.com/news/Sialkot-case-Seven-awarded-4-count-death-DPO-nine-cops-jailed-243791.html
Ms. Ambreen(mother),
I am very deeply sorry for your loss and all that you had gone through and are going through each day for sincerely I do understand the intense agony that a mother goes through. I know very well that it might seem, the situation or efforts to bring the perprators to justice, totally helpless. But please know this jatoi wouldn't at all be at peace for what he has done. He might enjoy or shield himself from justice but this crime will haunt him all his life and would suck away the peace and serenity from his life, until he accepts his sin and steps forward for justice. Though, I am an ordinary citizen just like you, but would always be with you and stand by your family members to share the agony of the loss and also in an effort to bring jatoi and all others involved to justice. May Allah(S.w.t) be with you.
Godbless,
Pro Bono Publico.
@Donnydarko: Before making those feudal - non-feudal statements, please stop and think for a second from a mothers point of view. Or God forbid put yourself in the case, it might have been one of your siblings then what?? Forgiveness is a much much later thing and agreed on the value of that gesture. But at the moment not even jatoi have nor does he have any regrets. He's on the run to avoid justice. Ms. Ambreen (the mother) apart from the intense mourning is already heartbroken for her loss and the injustice done. If that happens to be the case, why & how would the law & order situation would improve?? Instead the nation is paying hue & cry on bringing revolution.
@Donnydarko: Google the term JUSTICE. You might learn something new today.
Justice delayed is justice denied!
Allah says HE wont let down his believers. In this case it seems the opposite.
A judge of the court has immense power given to him so that justice is done.............. if justice is not done the fault should rest with the judge.
Evil will prevail when good men do nothing. Why sit and complain about how much injustice there is in this society, why kill ourselves with frustration at our lack of ability to change anything? We should instead ask ourselves what we would do in any give situation. Would we stand, would we fight, or would we succumb to pressure and threats? The society is the way it is because we allow it to be. We allow injustice to perpetuate and then complain of all the injustice. Let the 99% rise.
What justice did Sialkot brothers get? With all the money, support of social media, CJP and others; this family is also waiting for justice. Justice in Land of the Pure? My foot!
Dunt worry aunty after all ALLAH is the supreme power and HIS court is above all. Justice will be served to you Insha ALLAH if not here, then in life hereafter definately.
thumbs up to the mother
i sincerely hope that the truth win this time not money.
What justice she wants ? She wants to see sharukh Jatoi dead ? Then I'm sorry to say she is no different from the Feudals who like to equate justice with deaths and bloods !
We wish the family the best and Inshallah justice will be served.
After Molvi Nawaz Sharif added the Qasas and Diyat into the constitution, Money is the rule of the game. Sad, but true!