Pakistan

Justice Javed Iqbal's parents' murder: Malik forms joint investigation team

Police take night security guard into custody; initial reports say incident may have been made to look like a robbery.

Express January 12, 2011

LAHORE: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday formed a joint investigation team to probe into the murder of Justice Javed Iqbal’s parents and sought an inquiry report from the Inspector General (IG) Punjab.

The initial investigation report of the murder of Justice Iqbal’s parents has been dispatched to the Chief Minister and IG Punjab. Preliminary findings reveal Justice Iqbal's parents were found dead when police reached their house at around 9 pm, Tuesday night.

The report says the couple was murdered five to six hours before the police came and the murderers ransacked the house to make the incident look like a robbery.

Police have taken into custody the night security guard and raids are being made to arrest the guard on morning duty. The police are also interrogating two tenants living in the upper portion of the house.

SP Cantonment Amin Bukhari said an autopsy will be conducted and forensic evidence has been gathered from the crime scene.

Justice Iqbal's parents were not being provided any security and no policeman was deployed at their residence.

A First Information Report (FIR) of the murder was registered at the Factory area police station.

Some reports suggest Abdul Hameed and his wife were killed when they tried to resist an attempted robbery. Police sources said both the victims were tortured before being suffocated to death. The Supreme Court Bar and the Punjab Bar Council have also announced a nation-wide strike for today (Wednesday).

Supreme Court Bar Association President Asma Jehangir said there is a need to investigate whether there is a link between Justice Javed Iqbal's parents' murder and the sensitive cases he is handling.

The funeral prayers of Justice Javed Iqbal's parents will be held this (Wednesday) afternoon at Askari 5.

Updated from print edition (below)

Mysterious killing: Outspoken judge’s parents murdered

The parents of Justice Javed Iqbal, a senior judge of the Supreme Court, were killed on Tuesday night under mysterious circumstances in a well-guarded area of Lahore.

Justice Iqbal is a member of the Supreme Court benches which are hearing some high-profile cases, including the sensitive missing persons’ case.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed that Abdul Hameed, a former deputy inspector-general of police, and his wife Amina Bibi were strangled to death at their residence at Cavalry Ground, a high-security neighbourhood of Lahore.

He said the elderly couple had rented out the upper portion of their house in the Officers Colony on Walton Road, and were living alone in the lower portion.

The murder came to light when a relative of Abdul Hameed, who came to see the couple on Tuesday night, found them dead in the TV lounge of their house. They were strangled to death using pillows.

The motive behind the killing and the identity of the killers is still unknown. The killers managed to escape the high security area unchallenged and without raising any alarm. But Sanaullah said that the killers would be arrested soon. The police have detained the employees working in the house, the tenants and a street guard for questioning.

After the incident, a security cordon was thrown around the crime scene and investigators started collecting evidence. Police refused to speculate whether it was an attempted robbery or targeted killing.

Of particular note is that, during the course of hearing on Monday, Justice Iqbal had said that “2011 will be the year of recovery of missing persons.” He stressed that he and the Supreme Court would ensure that the missing persons are reunited with their loved ones within this year. In the same hearing, he also sought legislation to deal with the whisking away of Pakistanis without trial or hearing.

Sanaullah assured that all aspects of the case would be investigated.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the incident and ordered an immediate inquiry. They also offered condolences to Justice Iqbal.

Chief Minister Sharif directed DIG Lahore Rao Sardar Muhammad to supervise the investigation.

The Punjab Bar Council has called a strike across the province in protest against the killing of Justice Iqbal’s parents. Lawyers will boycott proceedings in the high court and lower courts.

Additional input from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (34)

Iqbal Agha, | 13 years ago | Reply ” Ina Lilah wa Ina eILahi Rajeoon .” We are Living in a Great Islamic Country, The Islamic Republic of Pakistan. What’s doing our 40 agencies in country ? They are working for Whom. ? & whats going on in our country.? HOW long more Killings going on.? Why The Late Malik Abdul Hamed Khan Killed in LAHORE.? The LAHORE is a heart of The Great Country,The Lahore must Safe place in country, its not Quetta or Karachi, or Peshawer.Its Capital of Punjab, where 90 million are living. Why Punjabi Killing PUNJABI’S, And Pashtoon Killing PASHTOON’S, & Hundustani Killing HINDUSTANI’S, ARE Afghan’s Killing AFGHANI’S,. WHY. ?? THE AMERICAN’S ARE KILLING’S ALL OF THEME, With out any Problem. The Afghanistan and Pakistan are Look like their Father Land’s. They don’t want leave these Countries soon. They leave Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, like USSR Leave in 90′s. The Economically American’s are Coallape’s, we see few years later, ( after 2020. ) the Result of agrassion’s, in these countries. The blood of Late Malik Abdul Hamed Khan are be come on Front of us. He were KILLED for Pakistani Nation. Late was a SHAHEED. ( SHAHEED for Nation ) He was pure Pakistani, not Desi Pakistani. ( The Govt , Must Give him " THE NISHAN - e - HAYDER ." ). The Late Malik Abdul Hamed Khan were Work, Whole life ( 75 years ) for Pakistan and Great Pakistani Nation's. May GOD Bless our Country PAKISTAN. We Salute Him. The Late Al-Hajj Mr, Malik Saheb Abdul Hameed Khan, and also We Strongly Condemned the murder of The Late Al-Hajj Mr, Malik Saheb Abdul Hameed Khan, and his Wife. ( We Loved Malik Saheb ) Oh ! MY GOD !( Who are behind this dirty KILLING. ? ) Its very Sad for us that our Country are going to The other’s Hands.The Anarchy is rooling our bueatyfull country, from so many Years. ( 30 years. ) It is Not Afghanistan or not Iraq, Its a Great Pakistan. We Proud our Country. The Late Mlik Saheb was a good Muslim,( He was 90 years OLD. ) He was a Brave Man, Man of Principal, He was a good Artsocrat, Late was not a Narrow minded person, he was a good Pakistani, very good Pakistani, and also very very good Balochistani. He Loved Quetta also. We are Pakistani, and we are ONE.( May be Baloch, Pathan;s, Punjabe, Sindhi, Mohhajir, Kashmeri, Seraki, Hazara, Brahavi, are ” ONE “. ' V. R. 1. ' ) Devid and Rool, are very old, ( 200 years ). The Late Malik Saheb was a honestman, man of principle in his duty, very cleavre, very very nice person,whole life he were Living Quetta, Two months ago he went to Lahore ,?…. May Allah bless departed souls! Condolence for the H.E.Mr,Justice Javed Iqbal, and Their Faimlies, May GOD BLEES YOU. ! THANKS.

hasan lal | 13 years ago | Reply what can u expect from a society where an assasin is hailed a hero?

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Agha Mohammad, | 13 years ago | Reply What doing our 40 agencies in country ? They are working for Whom. ? & whats going on in our country.? HOW long more Killings going on.? Why The Late Malik Abdul Hamed Khan Killed in LAHORE.? The LAHORE is heart of Country,The Lahore must Safe place in country, its not Quetta or Karachi, or Peshawer.Its Capital of Punjab, where 90 million are living. Why Punjabi Killing PUNJABI'S, And Pashtoon Killing PASHTOON'S, & Hundustani Killing HINDUSTANI'S, ARE Afghan's Killing AFGHANI'S,. WHY. ?? THE AMERICAN'S ARE KILLING'S ALL OF THEME, With out any Problem. The Afghanistan and Pakistan are Look like their Father Land's. They don't want leave these Countries soon. They leave Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq, like USSR Leave in 90's. The Economically American's are Coalap's, we see few years later, the Result of agrassion's, in these countries. The blood of Late Malik Abdul Hamed Khan are be come on Front of us. May GOD Bless our Country PAKISTAN. Thanks

Agha Mohammad, | 13 years ago | Reply " Ina Lilah e wa Ina ILahi Rajeoon. " ' Ina Lilah e wa Ina ILahi Rajeoon ' We Strongly Condemned the murder of The Late Malik Abdul Hameed Khan, and her Mrs, Malik. Oh ! MY GOD !( Who are behind this dirty KILLING. ? ) Its very Sad for us that our Country going to other's Hands.The Anarchy is rooling our country, from so many Years. It is Not Afghanistan or not Iraq, Its a Great Pakistan. We Proud our Country. The Late Mlik Saheb was a good Muslim, Brave Man, good Pakistani and also very very good Balochistani. He Loved Quetta also. We are Pakistani, and we are ONE.( May be Baloch, Pathan;s, Punjabe, Sindhi, Mohhajir, Kashmeri, Seraki, Hazara, Brahavi, are " ONE ". ) Divid and Rool, are very old, ( 200 years ). The Late Malik Saheb was a honestman, man of principle, very cleavre, very very nice person,whole life he were Living Quetta, Two months ago he went to Lahore ,?.... May Allah bless departed souls! Condolence for the H.E.Mr,Justice Javed Iqbal, and Their Faimlies, May GOD BLEES YOU. THANKS.

Syed A. Mateen | 13 years ago | Reply I am very grieved to learn that parents of Justice Javed Iqbal were killed in Lahore. No body in the country is spared, whether an ordinary man or parents of Honourable Judge of Supreme Court of Pakistan. What Police is doing? What are Police basic duties?

Pakistani57 | 13 years ago | Reply get all the investigations committees together make a whole lot of media circus on it do 30 + hours of talk shows on it but you still wont touch the guilty who are sitting in GHQ

Ali Turk | 13 years ago | Reply Make results/finding of all Joint investigation teams public.we keep on hearing this JIT again and again.This is very very sad that old parents have been killed.So who is safe in this country. May Allah protect us all.

Ameer Hamza | 13 years ago | Reply Our intelligence agencies can do anything. Our politicians can do anything. And our Pakistani brothers can do anything. We can maim and kill and do all sorts of things to gain our points.

Romm | 13 years ago | Reply its sad! But its sad too that Old people were left at the Mercy of Maids. We need to be practical. Could nt Mr Justice keep them at his place? Its heartening to even imagine that old parents in their 80s. Were living alone?

Arshad | 13 years ago | Reply @Copper what you are trying to point out... America, Pakistan Army or agencies are responsible?? as whenever missing person cases discuss all pointed out these responsibles.

No Name | 13 years ago | Reply Mr Malik you just can't keep using the same excuse every time." A team has been formed to investigate the crime". Enough of excuses. You need to take action and convince the Nation that These kind of crime will not be tolerated. Your Party is in power not to just for photo Ops. but to run the Govt effectively.

Deems | 13 years ago | Reply Anyone who knows 'Shariff politics' from early 90s..can guess who is behind this murder.

Copper | 13 years ago | Reply

This is what we do to silence a voice The year 2011 will see the recovery of all missing persons. Justice Javed Iqbal

exactly.

Arshad | 13 years ago | Reply I think these all incident proves that PUNJAB is becoming police state. Mr. Sharif should also give 10 points rather 1 point agenda, improve law and order, to his brother also otherwise ask him to go home and enjoy life with his new bride.

Ali Turk | 13 years ago | Reply This is un-acceptable and very sad. Now even old parents are not safe in this country.

sashayub | 13 years ago | Reply i am disgusted to note that from rahman malik to shahbaz sharif.....all people have condemned the murder of some supreme court judge's parents....what about those ahmadis, those shias and of course other minorities which are being killed in the name of religion? from the prime minister to the sharif brothers of punjab....by remaining silent, they have in fact condoned the murders of religious minorities.....why now the fuss for the parents of a supreme court judge....? utterly disgusting and disappointing

Neha Khan | 13 years ago | Reply @ Naeem Siddiqui... How convenient it is to say such things while sitting in Australia, and lecture us on respectability and non-respectability. You have to come here to feel what living in fear means.

NGH | 13 years ago | Reply May Allah bless departed souls! Condolence for the Justice.

Samreen | 13 years ago | Reply With heavy heart, I share with Ms Almaas Mirza, the deep feelings of anguish, mental agony/ spiritual pain at the manner in which such precious souls, the senior citizens/ old parents of a sitting judge, yes, the parents of a sitting judge of the highest court have been put to death so silently and in such a calm quite manner in the safest most secured area of Lahore cantonment, all this cannot be a simple case of robbery, it may contain a message, after the killing of Punjab Governor, a message for someone, somewhere, at top. May God, help, guide and bless Pakistan with sense of human,security with dignity, Ameen.

wazdan | 13 years ago | Reply It is the killing of judiciary not the parents of justice.This act is done by professional criminals who may have links to anti law elements who do not what free justice.there is a motto for this killing otherwise who will harm innocent retired peoples.If the investigating agency went to trace honestly the reality will reveal the motto,peoples.Same type of case was the Murder of Sardar khan who's case has ignored because of influential persons.

prasad | 13 years ago | Reply @Ms Mirza : "we are not safe in our own country my children ask me mama why do people murder eachother while we are muslims and all muslims are brothers," You should worry if your children are asking this question. Dont worry about the outside world, I think you need to do some damage control in your own house. Your children must be made aware that human life is precious - not just muslim life. Perhaps you can take them to the local church and explain christianity to them - dont worry they will not convert to christianity, they will learn not to dehumanise people of other religions. They will also learn to engage with the outside world and not trap themselves in self-created ghettos. But before all this - I think you should revisit your own belief system that has influenced your children.

Amer | 13 years ago | Reply Ina lilah e wa ina ilahi rajeoon Why is the media trying to connect the dots even before an enquiry into the case can take place? I don't think the media is doing any justice to his parents.

Asmat Jamal | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan has become the most dangerous country for its own law abiding citizens.

Afzal Rahim Khan Yusufzai | 13 years ago | Reply This is what we do to silence a voice The year 2011 will see the recovery of all missing persons. Justice Javed Iqbal

Kazmis | 13 years ago | Reply Very sad! My sympathy to Justice Javed Iqbal. It is not the security lapse of any Government. What is the security of those who are being killed by drone attacks? It seems that some forces are playing all that in our country.

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 13 years ago | Reply Very sad and time to revisit our whole security system. Justice Javed Iqbal was hearing some very important cases. Initial reports according to different media it is not a case of robbery. Well, so much thought provoking things are now taking place in our country that one is nearly confused what is going on. Law and Order has now taken all time ugly turn. No one knows who is safe and who is not.

Naeem Siddiqui,Australia | 13 years ago | Reply Fellow commentators and Express Tribune, When we will grow up and stop spreading conspiracy theories!!?? Shouldn't we wait for investigation results before declaring it ‘Mysterious’!!! What’s the use and good of spreading anxiety among masses!!?? Apparently it looks like a robbery that may or may not be the truth. Let’s take this incident as its face value and wait for investigation results. @Eeman Countries who offer immigration give immigration on two categories, one is skilled and other is asylum seekers, the first category is respectable and the second category is extremely humiliating and is not encouraged. People who escape their countries giving reason of unfavourable condition in their homeland are not considered respectable instead they call them opportunist 

Ahsanullah Mehsud | 13 years ago | Reply indeed very sad. when would Pakistan be out of woods ?

Eeman | 13 years ago | Reply Thought provoking, Ms Mirza. Time to apply for an immigration.

almass mirza | 13 years ago | Reply By 10:00pm when i was making my kids asleep, the silence of night borke through the noice of sirens of police cars and the noice is lingering on which made us terrified.something going wrong in the area as this thought came into mind i turned onn my TV set and found a breaking news that the parents of Justice Javed iqbal are murdered in an armed robbery attempt. wer are not safe in our own country my children ask me mama why do people murder eachother while we are muslims and all muslims are brothers, i have no answer to make my children satisfy.and i know no one has the answer of this question. This is Quaid's Pakistan where people are being murdered by its own nationals, is that the dream of Quaid -e- Azam? For this situation we have been elected our politicians? What is the future of our beloved country?what we are giving our children? blood sheds,target killing, lack of resource like gas and electricity are always on news. we areproducing mentally sick nation rather a a health and productive citizens. the murder of a former DIG and the parents of Justice of supreme court is not a small incident the protector of city couldnt protect himself due to the adverse situation of law and order in the country.there is need to strengthen situation of law and order and keep clean our country from corruption, inflation.

Fayaz Shah | 13 years ago | Reply very sad.. it seems no one is safe .

A | 13 years ago | Reply Ina lilah e wa ina ilahi rajeoon

Abbas Khan | 13 years ago | Reply A very sad incident. The Punjab government of Mian Shehbaz Sharif has failed to protect its citizens. Mian Nawaz Sharif should also prescribe something for his younger brother to fix law and order in Punjab.

Abdul Rauf khan | 13 years ago | Reply Very sad to hear about this news.It is not good for our judges security and there decision that they are giving now.it is like a backlash against the judges.

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