‘Families of target killing victims refusing to testify out of fear’

Hundreds of suspected target killers and terrorists have been arrested during the going targeted operation in Karachi, but the conviction rate has remained alarmingly low for a myriad of reasons.

On Friday, the paramilitary force said the refusal of families of many victims to stand witnesses in trials was one factor that was benefiting criminals.

In a statement, the spokesman for the Sindh Rangers said that thousands of innocent people had been killed in terrorism and target killing incidents, in which different organisations and banned outfits having militant wings were involved.

He added that target killers and terrorists involved in such incidents had been arrested during the operation being conducted in Karachi, but family members of the victims had been reluctant to take part in the court proceedings due to the prevailing environment of fear and terror.

The paramilitary force said that it would provide all the lawful protection to heirs of victims of terrorism and made an appeal to them to come forward and testify against terrorist elements without coming under any fear and influence so to ensure rule of law while considering it as a national obligation.

In this regard, the statement said, the heirs of victims could contact the nearest check post of the Rangers, or on Whatsapp number 0316-2369996, or at email address rangers.madadgar@gmail.com, or on Rangers helpline number 1101. 

Sindh is the first province to adopt legislation to provide protection to witnesses so as to ensure justice. However, it has yet to implement the law and launch a witness protection programme.