Hostel warden accused of threatening students

Protesters from Aurat March Islamabad have accused the warden of the International Islamic University (IIUI) hostel of threatening students who raised their voices against the brutal and unjust murder of 22-year-old Emaan Afroz, which occurred two months ago.

The protesters were outraged over the delay in arresting the accused, despite the availability of key evidence.

On Monday, Aurat March activists staged a demonstration outside the National Press Club, condemning the federal police for months of alleged negligence in investigating the case. Protesters claimed that CCTV footage identifying the accused was shared with Islamabad police soon after the incident, but no meaningful action was taken. "We were repeatedly told the police were close to arresting him, yet nothing happened," said a representative of the protest.

Later in the day, following the pressure from the protest, Islamabad police announced the arrest of the accused, identified as Feroz, a resident of Jhang district, who had been absconding since the incident.

Addressing a press conference at the Rescue 15 headquarters, DIG Operations Muhammad Jawad Tariq confirmed the arrest. He revealed that the accused had unlawfully entered the girl's hostel, "Kainaat Girls Hostel," with the intent to commit a crime and opened fire, resulting in Emaan's death.

The DIG further stated that Feroz is a repeat offender with prior records in rape and motorcycle theft cases. The arrest came after multiple police teams, led by SSP Operations and SSP Investigations, used a combination of human intelligence and technology, including Safe City surveillance footage and the accused's sketches, to trace and apprehend the accused.

"Islamabad police successfully solved this blind murder case. The accused will be presented in court with solid evidence to ensure he receives the punishment he deserves," the DIG said, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.