Lawyers’ killings: SC orders Karachi AIG to speed up investigation

KARACHI:

The Supreme Court (SC) directed on Monday the Karachi AIG to expedite investigations into targeted killings of lawyers in the province.

The apex court bench gave two months to the city police chief for filing a report in this regard. The bench was hearing a suo motu case regarding targeted killings of legal fraternity members in Sindh.

Lawyers had filed an application with the apex court in 2014 seeking directives for the provincial and police authorities to arrest criminals involved in the torture and killing of their colleagues and for the provision of compensation to victims' families.

In March this year, the court had directed the police to accelerate the probe into the cases, as most of the culprits remained 'untraced'.

During Monday's proceedings, the police chief filed a report stating that 47 targeted killings of lawyers were reported across the province. It was claimed that 26 cases had been solved, with the killers apprehended, while investigation into the remaining cases was still under way. Of those solved cases, 17 were lodged in Karachi, the report added.

The judges directed the AIG to ensure the investigation into the remaining cases is accelerated and the culprits arrested within two months. The officer was also asked to furnish a compliance report.

The court also asked representatives of bar associations to coordinate with the home department to ensure payment of compensation to families who have yet not been provided any financial assistance.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2016.