Judicial inquiry sought into Afzal Kohistani’s murder

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa civil society members on Monday condemned the murder of a whistle-blower in an infamous “honour killing” case and demanded a judicial inquiry and action by the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights over the killing of Afzal Kohistani.

A statement said that Afzal Kohistani had several times feared he would be killed for exposing ‘honour killings’ in his ancestral village in 2012 and his worst fear came true.

According to Afzal Kohistani, five girls were murdered for ‘bringing shame’ to their tribe after a video appeared showing them singing and clapping at a wedding.

Last week Kohistani was gunned down by unknown assailants in Abbottabad. This ignited anger and disappointment among civil society activists and human rights defenders, who have long fought against the patriarchal notion of “honour”, which remains prevalent across the country.

Earlier two men appearing in the video, brothers of Afzal Kohistani, along with another, his cousin, were murdered on January 3, 2013 after he had requested the Supreme Court to reopen the case.

Taimur Kamal, coordinator Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network said, “Afzal Kohistani had been receiving death threats since long, however, despite his applications to DIG Hazara division and IGP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he wasn’t provided security.”

He demanded a judicial inquiry and action by the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights over the killing of Afzal Kohistani to fix responsibility.

“Police official of Kohistan who initially misguided the Supreme Court should also be brought to justice,” he added.

Qamar Naseem, a human rights activist and member of the steering committee of Pakistan Human Rights Defender’s Network said: “The government of Pakistan must live up to its commitment to protect human rights defenders, who are increasingly under attack and inadequately protected. They are raising voices, frequently at great personal risk to stand up for human rights and justice for all.”

He said the defenders continued to face harassment and fear for own safety when they speak out and defend the rights of vulnerable communities and this is a matter of deep concern for organizations that are committed to human rights.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network demanded the government to take effective measures for the security of Bin Yasir, brother of Afzal Kohistani and ensure education and support for the family of Afzal Kohistani.