FIR Filed in Pakistan for Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar’s Extrajudicial Killing
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has registered a new First Information Report (FIR) concerning the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar. This action follows orders from the Sindh High Court (SHC). The FIR has been submitted to the anti-terrorism court in Mirpur Khas.
Accused Individuals
Among the 46 accused are former police officials, including DIG Police Mirpur Khas Javed Soonharo Jiskani, SSPs Asad Chaudhry and Asif Raza Baloch, CIA in-charge Enayat Zardari, SHO Niaz Khoso, and Pir Umar Jan Sarhandi. They face charges related to Dr. Kumbhar’s extrajudicial killing.
Autopsy and Investigation
A medical board led by the chief police surgeon has completed Dr. Kumbhar’s autopsy. “The body samples will be sent for laboratory tests, and the report will be handed over to concerned authorities within one month,” stated Dr. Wasim, the chief police surgeon.
Dr. Kumbhar, a senior medical officer, was accused of blasphemy and allegedly killed in a staged police encounter in Mirpur Khas on September 19, after being arrested by Umerkot police on September 18, 2024, in Karachi.
Inquiry Findings
An inquiry committee, following directives from Sindh Police Chief Ghulam Nabi Memon, uncovered serious misconduct by police officials. The report highlighted significant legal violations by the Umerkot and Mirpur Khas police. The SHC has ordered all accused individuals to be placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) concerning Dr. Kumbhar’s death, suspected to be a result of a fake police encounter.
Doubts Revealed
FIR -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document prepared by the police in India and Pakistan when they receive information about a crime.
Extrajudicial Killing -: Extrajudicial killing means killing someone without a legal trial or judgment. It is illegal and against human rights.
Federal Investigation Agency -: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is a government agency in Pakistan that investigates crimes like terrorism, corruption, and other serious offenses.
Sindh High Court -: The Sindh High Court is a high court in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is responsible for making important legal decisions in the region.
Anti-terrorism court -: An anti-terrorism court is a special court that deals with cases related to terrorism and serious crimes. It ensures quick and fair trials for such cases.
Blasphemy -: Blasphemy means showing disrespect or speaking against religious beliefs. In some countries, it is considered a serious crime.
Exit Control List -: The Exit Control List (ECL) is a list in Pakistan of people who are not allowed to leave the country because they are involved in legal cases or investigations.