Two years on, Farishta’s family awaits justice

The trial of the Farishta murder case could not be completed after two years, police told the Islamabad High Court (IHC), adding that the statement of a witness in the case is yet to be taken.

Justice Amir Farooq heard the case on Wednesday over speedy completion and action on the commission’s implementation of the recommendations. However, the court was informed that the trial of the case could not be completed after two years. On which the court expressed anger towards the police.

It must be noted that 10-year-old girl, Farishta, went missing from her home on May 15, 2019, in Shehzad Town after which her mutilated body was found on May 20, 2019. The IHC judge said that he would pass an appropriate order regarding the trial and implementation of the recommendations.

During the hearing, the investigating officer said that there was only one witness left whose statement was delayed due to the coronavirus.

Counsel Faisal Siddiqui and Barrister Haider Imtiaz appeared before the court on behalf of the petitioner who maintained that the girl was killed by a serial killer. Similar crimes are taking place all around the country, they said, adding that just as in the Noor Mukadam case, Farishta’s killer also has a history.

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The police officer told the court that they only have administrative control, the SHO is responsible for the matter. The court remarked that this attitude has become a norm. Everyone diverts their responsibility towards others, the judge noted.

The court further questioned how can an officer say that it is not his responsibility, adding that in other countries, the minister is compelled to resign from his post on such cases.

The court expressed guilt over the delay of the case and said that it will call for a report from MIT and issue instructions regarding the trial.

DIG (Operations) Afzal Ahmed Kausar admitted before the court that it was their fault. The judge said if they have no idea how to investigate then they should read the law and improve their services. The court adjourned the hearing of the case till September 13.

Meanwhile, the IHC has restored the provisions of terrorism in the Osama Satti murder case. An eight-page verdict was issued on Wednesday.

The verdict maintained that the trial court should have held the matter of authority till the recording of evidence, adding that the petition seeking repeal of terrorism provisions should be considered pending.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2021.