PIMS doctor records statement in Tayyaba torture case

ISLAMABAD: When Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC resumed hearing in Tayyaba torture case on Tuesday, a former principal of the College of Medical Technology PIMS Dr Muhammad Naseer recorded his statement saying that on first examination Tayyaba had superficial burn and blunt wounds.

Dr Naseer, however, could not tell the court whether the wounds were intended or accidental and said that he could not say anything regarding that. Dr Naseer was cross examined by OSD judge Raja Khurram Ali  Khan and his wife Maheen Zafar's lawyer Raja Rizwan Abbasi advocate.

Dr Naseer said that Tayyaba was brought to him on December 29, 2016 accompanied by an ASI Shabbir Ahmad and Lady Head Constable Maryam Bibi. Tayyaba at that time had burn marks, blackened part under eye-lids and abrasions on skin. She had also swelling on the face. At the time of first examination, Tayyba's wounds were about 24 hours old.

During cross-examination, Dr Naseer said that he ensured that Tayyaba could narrate history of her wounds without any fear an pressure and for that he asked Dr Nasreen Butt to accompany her.

After his statement the court adjourned this matter with date in office.  On the next date two other doctors Dr Nasreen Butt and Dr Tariq Iqbal will record their statement. On previous date of hearing IHC had directed doctors of the medical board who performed medical check-up of injured Tayyaba, to appear before the court and record their statements.

As per charge sheet against OSD judge Raja Khurram Ali Khan and his wife Maheen Zafar both husband and wife were accused of keeping the minor Tayyaba under wrongful confinement committing an offence under section 342-PPC. Secondly, Maheen Zafar caused injuries (multiple small healed wounds on cheek and below angle of mandible contact burn) to minor Tayyaba that is a punishable offence under section 337-A(i) PPC. Maheen Zafar is also charged with causing injuries to Tayyaba like contact burn healed wounds on right arms, right wrist and right hand, on left mid arm over deltoid area, dorsum of left index finger extended up to MP joint of left hand, left little finger, left lower arm, right thigh and right buttock that is punishable offence under section 337-F(i) PPC.

Maheen Zafar is also accused of extending threats of dire consequences to the minor girl not to disclose her maltreatment to anyone. As per charge sheet this offence is punishable under section 506 (ii) PPC. Court has charge-sheeted both husband and wife of ill-treatment, neglect, abandonment, harm and causing injuries to Tayyaba who was under their care. This offence is punishable under section 328-A PPC.

IHC bench also charged sheeted Raja Khurram Ali Khan with the allegations of hiding Tayyaba to save the co-accused Maheen Zafar from the legal consequences that is punishable under section 201 of PPC.