Pakistan

Former minister's son admits to 'accidentally' killing teenager in Lahore

After initial denials, Mustafa Kanjo confesses he pulled the trigger but did not intend to kill anyone

Hassan Naqvi April 05, 2015

An Express News screengrab of Mustafa Kanju. PHOTO: EXPRESS

LAHORE: After initial denials, the son of former state minister for foreign affairs admitted to 'accidentally' killing a 16-year-old boy in Lahore, Express News reported on Sunday.

Siddique Kanju's son Mustafa Kanjo had opened fire on a vehicle near Cavalry Ground area which led to the killing of teenager Zain and a pedestrian being injured.

"I did shoot but did not intend to kill anyone," the son of the former minister said.

Mustafa said he had fired shots, during the clash, to scare his opponents.

According to Investigation Officer South Cantonment Police Station Inspector Imtiaz Shah said his fingerprints were found on the weapon recovered from the site by police.

Addressing the media later during the day, Zain’s mother demanded they be served justice immediately.

“If justice isn’t served immediately then like other criminals, he, too, will be freed,” she said.

Mustafa was arrested and produced before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on April 3 where he initially claimed that his shot did not kill Zain.

Read: Former minister's son claims his shot did not kill Lahore teenager

The court had granted police eight-day physical remand of Mustafa and four of his guards who were also arrested by Lahore police following the firing incident.

Read: Murder of youth: Police get eight-day remand of former

Earlier, a First Information Report was registered against Mustafa and his guards under section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 7 of the Anti-terrorism Act.

COMMENTS (13)

the Skunk | 9 years ago | Reply This is nothing but pre-meditated and cold blooded murder. The lawyers having the gift of gab will argue their tongues off in favor of politicians. Justice must be quick and sure. Salams

Pukar | 9 years ago | Reply He was intoxicated high on the power of his father. He needs some fixing to be done.

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Asad Hasan | 9 years ago | Reply This should treated as crime against state. No blood money, no qisas or diyat should be acceptable; until the time our law of the land makes no distinction between the rich and poor; all are treated equal - we will remain a poor nation - morally and socially. Justice and fair treatment under the eyes of the law is the only path to build our national character and make Pakistan a just and proud country where its common citizens can walk on the streets without fear, let or hindrance.

A Khan | 9 years ago | Reply Military Court please

Nk | 9 years ago | Reply I've been following this story for the past few days, thinking it's great that despite being the son of a high ranking official he is still arrested and justice is being done. I was thinking only once criminals realize nobody is safe from the law, including politicians, will they start fearing the state and we can start going towards a peaceful prosperous society. Well nowhere did I read that the ex minister has actually passed away according to Wikipedia. First of all shoddy intentionally one sided reporting glossing over the dead father. Secondly, Yep, the law still has no control over the rich and powerful.

Blithe | 9 years ago | Reply Credit to Punjab police and PML n.

NY | 9 years ago | Reply Give him credit for at least admitting he fired the shots which killed the unfortunate student.

Whiskey Khan | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan Justice has a history of sheltering or giving a free pass to privileged people especially ones with Govt connection. This practise has to stop and Justice must prevail.

Nida | 9 years ago | Reply Two P words. "phanssi please". P:

Imran | 9 years ago | Reply Looks like his lawyer will try to prove that there was no intention to commit murder or harm and lacks the elements of a crime...but the fact that any normal person knows firing can result in unexpected harm does actually replace the intention by negligence.

Sara | 9 years ago | Reply Sure but there was an intention to fire which misfired.

Tariq Mahmood | 9 years ago | Reply Transfer to military court.

Parvez | 9 years ago | Reply According to a news report the first time he injured someone his father pleaded with the judge and he was let off.......obviously that judge did a disservice to society and confirmed that justice in Pakistan is selective.

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