SWAT: Thousands of people took to the streets in Madyan, Swat, on Thursday to protest the alleged sexual assault and murder of a nine-year-old girl, Ishmal, with demonstrators blocking the Kalam Road and demanding justice.
The protesters called for exemplary punishment for the arrested suspect, identified by police as Sultan Muhammad, and demanded the formation of a special commission to ensure the case is investigated and prosecuted without delay.
Representatives of civil society, social organisations and lawyers participated in the demonstration. Protesters also demanded that Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act be added to the first information report (FIR).
Lawyers from the Bahrain Bar announced that they would not represent the accused. They also said the victim’s family would be provided free legal assistance and that the case would be pursued before higher courts if necessary.
Speakers at the protest praised police for what they described as the prompt arrest of the suspect and recovery of a pistol allegedly used in the crime. They said they would continue monitoring the case and warned that the protests could be expanded if their demands for justice were not met.
Human rights organisations also expressed solidarity with the victim’s family. A committee headed by Madyan Bazaar President Altaf Hussain was formed to consult bar councils across Swat and develop a joint strategy concerning the legal proceedings.
Later, SP Investigation Bar-Swat Shaukat Ali Khan met the protesters and assured them that police would present the case before the court on the basis of available evidence and follow all legal requirements.
According to police, the incident occurred a day earlier when Sultan Muhammad, a forest department watchman and neighbour of the girl, allegedly sexually assaulted Ishmal after she went to his house and then shot her dead.
Police said the suspect was arrested along with the alleged murder weapon. During the preliminary investigation, investigators also reportedly found evidence that may link the suspect to the alleged murder of his uncle in Dir.
Further investigation into the case is underway.