The Supreme Court (SC) has summoned family members of victim and prosecutor’s witnesses on November 16 in Zain murder case.
The court directed the IG Punjab to ensure presence of the witnesses at every cost besides providing them foolproof security.
Justice Amir Hani Muslim remarked, “As to why protection has not been provided to the witnesses. Why the police did not play its role in such circumstances. How the witnesses deviated from their statements. The petitioner had field application seeking security and protection during the trial. How can you remain unaware of important matter.”
Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik remarked, “If the witnesses deviate from their statements then how will you challenge the acquittal of the suspects.”
A three-member bench of the SC headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim held hearing on suo moto notice of Chief Justice of Pakistan over Zain murder case Tuesday. Senior officers including IG Punjab Mushtaq Sukhera appeared in the court.
They told the court that due to deviation from the statements by the witnesses and withdrawal of petition by the petitioner the accused were released.
Justice Amir Hani Muslim said to IG Punjab, “The petitioner had given you application in connection with his security and protection. What action did you take on that application?
The IG Punjab expressed his ignorance with regard to the application, saying any such application has not been filed.
The court expressed annoyance over it and remarked, “How can it happen that application is filed and it is not in your knowledge. This is very important matter. How can you remain ignorant about it? You should have played your due role.”
The Punjab Prosecutor General told the court that the witnesses deviated from their statement in return for money, adding that signatures were obtained from them on blank paper.
Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik inquired, “What type of people are included in the witnesses?”
The court was told that both the official and private witnesses are included.
The court inquired if the official witness was eyewitness.
The Advocate General told the court that appeal was being filed in Lahore High Court (LHC) against the acquittal of the accused. The decision will be taken soon in this respect.
Police presented a report before the court focusing on the progress made so far by the police in this case and other matters.
Police told the court through its report that steps were being taken for the arrest of the accused. As the complainants were not willing to move ahead in the case, therefore the accused were released. However the matter of their acquittal is being challenged in the high court.
The court remarked, “Why you do the job in the last what you have to do first. You should have filed appeal in the high court soon after the accused were acquitted by the court.”
The Advocate General held out assurance that appeal will be filed soon against the exoneration of the accused and time be given in this connection.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case till November 16.
