CJP stops his motorcade to hear a wailing mother's plea

Sughran Bibi brought CJP's attention to her son's alleged encounter by Gujranwala Police

LAHORE: The convoy of Supreme Court judges was huddled outside the SC registry in Lahore by the mother of a young man who was allegedly killed in an encounter by the Gujranwala Police in 2008.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nasir and Justice Ijazul Hasan were leaving for Jinnah Hospital when family members of the victim surrounded his motorcade, protesting against the killing.

Taking note of the protest, Justice Nisar stepped out of the vehicle to inquire the reason behind the commotion.

“I have been standing outside the court since morning to meet you,” said Sughran Bibi, mother of Zulfikar, told the CJP. “Only you can give me justice."

After hearing her plea, Justice Nisar directed court staff to fix a hearing at 11am tomorrow [Sunday] at the SC registry.

Shortly after her son’s death, Khayali resident Sughran Bibi had submitted a case against 21 people for torturing her son to death. Sughran Bibi listed two army majors, a local station house officer (SHO) and other police officials.

The court had sent six accused, including two majors to jail. However, in January 2011, Sughran Bibi and the witnesses changed their statements saying that Zulfikar died after a fall.

Reportedly, she received Rs2, 400, 000 in blood money to drop charges.