Victims’ family pressured to withdraw DHA accident case

LAHORE: The family of a teenager involved in the tragic deaths of six members of family, including two minors, in a fatal road accident in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) three days ago is resorting to unethical tactics to pressure the victims’ family into withdrawing the case.

Ahsan, a close relative of the victims, expressed shock and dismay at the pressure exerted by the accused’s family. He claimed that the police did not offer support in their pursuit of justice for the victims and demanded the maximum penalty for the accused, Afnan, involved in the accident. Rafaqat Ali and his family were returning to their residence in Shadab Colony Housing Society on Ferozepur Road after visiting his daughter’s in-laws when a speeding car driven by a teenage boy caused the accident.

The collision, which occurred near Defence Phase 7, resulted in the tragic loss of six family members. The impact was so severe that it nearly split the victims’ car in half. The deceased individuals were identified as Rukhsana Bibi (45), her son Husnain (25), her daughter-in-law Ayesha (23), her son-in-law Sajjad (30), her four-month-old grandson Huzaifa, and her granddaughter Anaya (4).

An eyewitness described the accident as horrific, with the car carrying six people flipping multiple times upon impact with the vehicle driven by Afnan.

Rafaqat, along with other relatives, was returning from his son’s in-laws’ residence in two cars. They had just reached DHA Phase VII, when a reckless car driven by Afnan collided with the vehicle carrying six family members, including his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and their two children. The car overturned several times, sustaining extensive damage. Upon reaching Lahore General Hospital promptly, all the injured individuals were transferred for treatment, but unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries.

The police initiated legal proceedings against the suspected car rider, Afnan Shafqat, based on the complaint filed by the head of the family, Rafaqat Ali.

Afnan, son of Shafqat Ali of Askari 11, was arrested for alleged negligence, overspeeding, and reckless driving responsible for the accident. Defence C police have registered a case against Afnan under Sections 279, 322, and 427 PPC and seized the vehicle involved in the collision.

In response to inquiries, the in-charge investigation of Defence C, Murtaza Aslam, refrained from making a statement, citing the sub-judice nature of the case. However, he confirmed that the accused, Afnan Shafqat, has been remanded to Camp Jail pending judicial proceedings.