KOHAT: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has sought the help of Saudi Interpol to apprehend Mujahid Afridi, who fled to Saudi Arabia after murdering medical student Asma Bibi in Kohat for refusing a marriage proposal, the police confirmed on Wednesday.
KP police spokesperson confirmed that a letter of assistance was sent to the Saudi Interpol on the request of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police on Wednesday for assistance in apprehending the fugitive.
Earlier, a local court approved the three-day remand of the main accused’s accomplice and brother, Sadiqullah Afridi, who was present at the time of the shooting.
According to sources, Kohat police after issuing a red warrant for the fugitive sent it to KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Salahuddin Mehsood, who is expected to forward it to the provincial home department. The case will then be forwarded to the Minister of Interior to bring the accused back to the country.
KP IGP has also contacted FIA DG.
Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak said the police in the province should not be criticised over a few cases, apparently referring to criticism which followed the killings of Asma Rani in Kohat and a minor in Mardan.
While addressing the media during a news conference in the federal capital Wednesday, CM KP said forensic laboratory in the province will start work on the recent cases in 15 to 20 days.
However, he added, work was not delayed due to any political pressure.
“There is no political intervention in KP police,” the CM said. “The KP government does not meddle in the affairs of the police and it is autonomous just like the army is.”
Khattak said even if the matter revolves around the district police officer, the inspector general of police in KP does not consult the government officials. “The brother of an MPA is behind bars but I have said nothing on the matter.”
According to the CM, the KP government does not believe in pressurising the police as it does not have any positive outcomes.
CM KP lauded the police in the province, saying it was better than the force in Punjab.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan also refused to acknowledge any shortcomings of the provincial police.
Earlier on Tuesday, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of the murder of the medical student and summoned a report from KP IGP.
The deceased girl’s family has alleged that prior to the murder, Asma had been threatened by the accused who is a relative of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Kohat chapter President Aftab Alam.
In an interview with a private news channel, Asma’s sister, Safia Rani claimed that both the KP police and Aftab Alam knew about the life threats.
Safia said that her sister faced a constant campaign of harassment and threats from Mujahid Afridi, but no one came to their rescue despite the fact that she, her sister, and her family spoke to Aftab Alam, begging for help at least three times.
