Hina Javed’s family seeks judicial commission in open letter to Punajb CM

Acknowledges domestic employee’s alleged involvement but says evidence concerning Faisal was being ignored

RAWALPINDI:

The family of Hina Javed, who was found murdered at her home in Rawalpindi's Lalkurti on August 20, on Sunday, demanded an immediate judicial commission to investigate the case, rejecting the findings of a police investigation committee and alleging that evidence relating to the main accused has been overlooked.

In an open letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the family called for an impartial investigation, saying it no longer expected justice through the existing inquiry process.

“We do not accept the findings of the investigation committee in the Hina murder case,” the family said, urging the chief minister to take notice of the disregard of evidence concerning accused Faisal Asghar.

The family said it had made several unsuccessful attempts to contact CM Maryam directly and had raised its concerns about the police investigation committee through various forums and government representatives.

It also called on the chief minister to review the case file in detail and ensure that no accused person was protected.

The family raised questions about the handling of forensic evidence, alleging that DNA had been found on Hina’s neck belonging to Faisal and his father. It also said Hina’s father-in-law had initially reported a burglary at the house.

Forensic reports concerning the mobile phones of Hina and the accused were still pending, the family said, adding that important messages had been deleted from her phone.

It alleged that investigators had shifted their focus towards the domestic employee before the forensic reports and fingerprint results had been received.

While acknowledging the domestic employee’s alleged involvement in the murder, the family said evidence concerning Faisal was being ignored.

“The intensity of the violence inflicted on Hina and the mutilation of her body reflect the extent of the hatred,” the letter said.

The family also questioned the police investigation committee's authority to determine guilt or innocence before the case reached court.

“Whether a person is guilty or innocent is for the court to decide,” it said, adding that conducting an investigation and delivering a verdict through the same process created a conflict of interest.

The family urged the Punjab CM to intervene in her capacity as chief minister and as a woman, recalling her previous position that violence and abuse against women were a red line.

It called for all those responsible to be held accountable under the law and for no accused person to receive protection.

In a separate statement on social media on Sunday, CM Maryam said the investigation into Hina’s murder had not been completed and pledged to ensure justice for the family.

“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice in the Hina murder case,” she said, adding that she would meet the family personally.

Read: Hina Javed’s autopsy reveals brutal torture

Earlier, Police arrested her husband, Faisal, and domestic worker Zeeshan Arshad in connection with the murder.

Investigators conducted DNA and polygraph examinations of both suspects at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency as part of efforts to establish their possible roles in the crime.

On September 30, the Punjab government constituted a three-member high-powered committee, headed by Additional Inspector General of the Crime Control Department Sohail Zafar Chattha, to review the investigation after receiving forensic reports.

The committee subsequently launched a fresh investigation, examining forensic evidence, visiting the crime scene and reviewing possible shortcomings in the earlier police probe.

Meanwhile, the victim's family has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation and demanded the formation of a judicial commission to ensure an independent and transparent inquiry.

In the latest development, an autopsy report revealed extensive injuries on Hina's body, including a broken neck, a deep wound to the back of her head, and multiple signs of violence.

The case has also reached the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, which has summoned senior Punjab police officials for a briefing scheduled for October 29.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the suspects are subject to judicial determination.