Politics of cat-nap: Three arrested in connection with PTI’s missing feline supporter

The cat’s owner says it is worth Rs200,000


The cat cops found in Sir Syed Ahmed Town. PHOTO: ASSADULLAH/EXPRESS

FAISALABAD: Three people have been arrested in connection with the theft of a cat owned by a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf activist from Nisar Colony.

A police spokesperson told journalists on Monday that Imtiaz Asif, a resident of Nisar Colony, had complained that her neighbours Kashif, Shahbaz and their uncle Farooq had stolen her white cat who would often accompany Asif to PTI rallies and processions.

She said, “My cat is worth of Rs200,000 and is very dear to me.” She said the cat had become a beloved mascot at the PTI rallies and sit-ins she attended.

Asif said that her neighbours – members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz – were probably responsible for the theft. “They had offered me money to participate and bring my cat to their events, rallies and processions several times, but I’m a PTI activist…this is clearly a case of political rivalry.”

She said that the police had ignored her when she had first complained about the missing cat. “They refused to register a case so I had to file a petition in court.”

The Samanabad SHO confirmed that the police had registered a case in this regard and had arrested the suspects. Investigations are underway and it would be unwise to comment on the matter to early, he said.

The neighbours, who have been arrested, insist that they have nothing to do with the cat theft. They say they have been victimised by Asif because of their political rivalry.

Later on Monday, SHO Khalil Ahmad Ghumman said that they received information about a cat, which looked a lot like Asif’s cat, roaming around in Sir Syed Ahmed Town.

He said they took the cat to Asif but she said it wasn’t hers.

Several children in the neighbourhood said that it was definitely the missing cat. They said the owner probably couldn’t identify it because the cat’s fur was all dirty and matted.

Asif, however, categorically denied that the cat was hers.

The SHO said they were interrogating her neighbours and would allow them to leave if they could prove their innocence.  

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5th, 2016.

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