Assembly condemns Jatak killing, seeks justice

Police ordered to submit investigation as ministers and opposition protest delayed action

QUETTA:

The Balochistan Assembly on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of Master Inayatullah Jatak, father of Asma Jatak, in Khuzdar, with members expressing outrage over the alleged failure to even register a case promptly. The House directed police to submit a report by Monday on progress in the investigation and the arrest of the accused, while provincial ministers and the opposition staged symbolic walkouts in protest.

Speaking on a point of order, Provincial Minister Ali Madad Jatak said Asma Jatak and her family had faced harassment for nearly one-and-a-half years. He alleged that her fiancé had previously been killed, the family repeatedly threatened, and Asma Jatak abducted. He further claimed that tribal elder Ghulam Sarwar Musiani, Sardar Kamran Jatak and Maulana Amanullah were also killed during protests over the incident, yet no arrests had been made.

According to the minister, two days before the murder, Asma Jatak had posted a video on social media holding the Holy Quran and appealing for justice and protection. Shortly afterward, her father, Master Inayatullah Jatak, was shot dead. He alleged that despite previous criminal cases against the prime suspect, police had failed to arrest him. Ali Madad Jatak then staged a symbolic walkout from the Assembly.

Provincial Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani also condemned the killing and urged the Speaker to summon the Inspector General of Police, DIG Khuzdar and SSP Khuzdar to explain the situation.

Leader of the Opposition Younas Aziz Zehri said Asma Jatak had telephoned him the previous night in tears, pleading for justice. He warned that if the killers were not arrested, the provincial government itself would be held responsible. He also staged a walkout in protest.