Hina Javed's family seeks judicial probe

Alleges key evidence was overlooked in investigation; urges CM to form commission

RAWALPINDI:

The family of Hina Javed, who was murdered in a high-profile case in Rawalpindi, has written an open letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, demanding the immediate formation of a judicial commission to ensure a transparent investigation.

The family has urged the chief minister to personally review the complete case file, alleging that investigators shifted their focus towards a domestic worker before key forensic reports were received, while crucial evidence concerning the victim's husband and father-in-law was allegedly overlooked.

In the letter, the family said repeated attempts to contact the chief minister directly had failed. However, it had conveyed its reservations about the procedure adopted by the police investigation committee through various forums and government representatives.

The family claimed that DNA belonging to Hina's husband, Faisal Asghar, and his father was found on her neck. It also alleged that the victim's father-in-law had initially described the incident as a burglary at the house.

According to the letter, forensic reports concerning the mobile phones of Hina and the suspects are still pending, while important messages had also been deleted from the victim's phone. The family alleged that investigators had directed the probe towards the domestic worker before receiving forensic and fingerprint reports.

While also accusing the domestic worker of involvement in the murder, the family demanded a thorough and impartial examination of the roles of Faisal Asghar and the other suspects, along with all evidence available against them.

The letter maintained that determining whether a person was guilty or innocent was ultimately the court's responsibility. However, the family said it had no confidence in the findings and procedures of the police investigation committee, making a judicial commission necessary to ensure a transparent probe.

Addressing the chief minister, the family recalled her commitment to treating violence and injustice against women as a red line and urged her to play an effective role in securing justice for Hina.

Meanwhile, in her second social media statement on the case, Maryam Nawaz said the investigation had not yet been completed and assured the family that no effort would be spared to ensure justice. She also said she would personally meet the victim's family.