Hina Javed's family rejects fresh police probe

RAWALPINDI:

The family of Hina Javed, who was murdered, has rejected the police decision to reopen the investigation into her killing and reiterated its demand for the formation of a judicial commission, saying there was little point in having subordinate officers reinvestigate the case after raising serious concerns over the findings of a high-level inquiry committee.

The victim's family has also formally conveyed its reservations about the fresh investigation to the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Interior.

According to the family, SSP Investigation Saifullah contacted them and asked them to visit his office to sign an application seeking the transfer of the investigation to another district. However, after reading the application, the family refused to endorse the move.

The family said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had advised them to submit an application for transferring the investigation to police in another district. However, it pointed out that a high-level Punjab Police committee had already cleared the nominated suspects.

The family questioned how subordinate police officers could challenge or overturn the findings of a committee headed by an additional inspector general.

In its letter to the parliamentary committee, the family reiterated its demand for a judicial commission to ensure an impartial investigation.

Meanwhile, the victim's brother, Fahad Javed, has submitted an application to the Prosecutor General under the Right to Information law, seeking copies of the forensic reports.

According to the application, police had sent evidence collected from the crime scene, DNA samples, mobile phones, a laptop and other items to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency in Lahore. However, despite receiving the reports, the authorities have not provided copies to the complainant.

The family has demanded copies of all forensic reports and other evidence, along with the formation of a judicial commission to ensure a transparent investigation.