RY Khan woman's murder declared 'high-profile case'

LAHORE:

Punjab Prosecutor General Chaudhry Irfan Sadiq Tarar has declared the murder of Fouzia Bibi in Rahim Yar Khan a high-profile case after investigators suspected an attempt to portray her alleged killing as suicide.

As per to initial information, the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Zahir Pir Police Station, where Fouzia Bibi was allegedly murdered before an attempt was made to make the incident appear to be a suicide.

Her father-in-law reportedly alerted police through emergency helpline 15.

The suspicious circumstances prompted investigators to examine the case from multiple angles.

Taking notice of the case, the prosecutor general summoned the investigating officer for a briefing and directed him to conduct a transparent, merit-based investigation in accordance with modern scientific and forensic standards.

He stressed that no aspect of the case should be overlooked.

He ordered the collection and preservation of all available forensic, medical and other scientific evidence. Investigators were also directed to incorporate crime-scene evidence and other relevant material into the case record.

Tarar instructed the investigating officer to avoid unnecessary delays and prepare the challan on merit for submission to the court at the earliest to ensure effective prosecution.

He said the alleged murder of a woman followed by an attempt to portray it as suicide was a serious offence.

"Such accused are a menace to society, and Punjab Prosecution will play its full role in ensuring that they are brought to justice in accordance with law," he said.

The prosecutor general directed investigators to focus particularly on the alleged attempt to stage the incident as suicide, as well as forensic and medical reports, crime-scene evidence and witness statements.

He said the Punjab Prosecution Department was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women.