KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Tuesday directed the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) to wrap up the murder case of Orangi Pilot Project Director Parveen Rehman within two months.
A two-member bench of the SHC headed by Chief Justice of SHC Ahmed Ali Shaikh while hearing the bail plea of accused in murder case of Parveen Rshman, remarked that people like Parveen in this country are becoming a rarity.
The accused in the case, Imran Swati, Amjad and Ayaz Khan were produced before the court as well.
During the hearing, the legal branch informed the court that there are 29 witnesses in the case of which 10 have yet to record their statements.
Police officials added, “Witnesses have been sent notices and will be provided security.”
On this, SHC judge Ahmed Ali Sheikh remarked, “Parveen Rahman has been murdered and the case is still going on. Lawyers should be aware of good people in society.”
The SHC while directing the ATC said that “instead of hearing the suspects they should wrap up the case”.
The Orangi Pilot Project’s director Parveen Rehman was gunned down on March 23, 2013, by unidentified motorcyclists near Banaras Flyover. The project aims at providing solutions to grassroots in solving their local issues including sanitation and provision of potable water. The project is run by non-government organisations (NGOs).
In 2018, the Sindh government had approved the formation of a new joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the murder of Parveen Rehman.
According to the notification issued by the Sindh government, officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Rangers and intelligence agencies will be part of the eight-member team. The team will complete its investigation, which will also include again questioning arrested suspects, and submit its report in 15 days.
The new JIT was formed at the request of Sindh Inspector-General of Police AD Khowaja.
In 2017, police arrested Amjad Hussain, prime accused in the case. Authorities also managed to nab other suspects, including Imran Swati and Rahim Swati.
According to the police, the accused confessed to Rahman’s murder during the investigation.
