Murder investigation: Former minister’s son accused of killing cousin

Case filed against Liaqat Shahab’s son on court orders.

NOWSHERA: A case has been filed in Nowshera against the son of former provincial minister Liaqat Shahab for allegedly murdering his teenage cousin.

According to a Cantonment police official, the case was filed on the orders of a local court on Tuesday against Yousaf Shahab, son of former excise minister and Pakistan Peoples Party leader.

The official added that a week ago, the daughter of Iqbal Khan was initially believed to have died due to electrocution in her house, however, Iqbal approached police claiming she had been killed by her cousin Yousaf. The police did not register his complaint and the girl was subsequently buried.

“Iqbal then approached the court with the help of Advocate Noman Khalid. On Monday, district sessions judge Rasheeda Ban ordered that the girl’s body be exhumed for an autopsy,” he added.

The police official further said the post-mortem report revealed she had indeed been shot in the head. Following this, a case was filed against Yousaf on the orders of the court.

Another policeman said the girl was Liaqat Shahab’s niece and Iqbal’s family had told him that his daughter had been electrocuted and was later buried in his absence. However, Iqbal suspected foul play which is why he went to the police and then the court.

The police official maintained that further investigation is under way and Yousaf’s house will be raided soon for his arrest.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2014.