Rights defenders to move court against Umerkot incident

Human rights organisations and civil society leaders held a press conference on Saturday to condemn the “fake” police encounter that resulted in the death of a doctor in Umerkot.

Human rights activist Anis Haroon said the doctor’s murder was a great tragedy. She said Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar’s wife and children were terrified, adding that a video clip shows his wife and daughters crying.

The slain doctor had three young sons as well, she pointed out. “They ask what their father’s fault was and why he was killed,” she lamented.

She said that for this heinous act, the culprits chose 12th Rabiul Awwal, the day of mercy for the world. “Do you think you’ll please anyone with this? Neither God nor the Prophet (PBUH) nor any culture or our law supports this.”

She said they would meet with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and would also take the matter to court. “We won’t allow them to play with our lives, then garland those responsible for this tragedy with praise.”

A lawyer representing the victim’s family asserted that the incident was staged, citing an FIR filed under Section 45 of the Pakistan Penal Code as evidence.

“This was a fabricated incident. The men were on motorbikes when they were targeted. One of them was shot and killed, and the conversation between the police officers reveals that this encounter was orchestrated.”

He also criticised the police. “A false police encounter like this should never have happened. The police force is supposed to be an institution that upholds the law.”

In response to the outcry from civil society, the government has formed a committee to investigate the matter. The investigation will be overseen by a sitting judge of the Sindh High Court who is known for their liberal reputation.

The committee has been tasked with reviewing all the evidence, including the call detail record of the Umerkot SSP, and with bringing all the relevant documents to light. The lawyer mentioned that inquiries would also be conducted into the role of other police officials involved, ensuring their statements are recorded. “On the floor of the assembly Sardar Shah said he had ordered the arrest of the individuals involved, but the police chose to eliminate them instead.”

He demanded that legal action be taken under sections 161 and 164, ensuring that those responsible for the “extrajudicial” killing are held accountable. He emphasised that police officers who do not respect human rights should not be shielded from prosecution or sent abroad.