Rights Watch | 10th June 2020

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Rights Watch

SCBA Declares Support For Justice Isa

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) declared its solidarity with Supreme Court judge Justice Qazi Faez Isa in as the hearing on the Presidential references filed against him enters a crucial stage. The SCBA, helmed by Qalbe Hassan, has termed the Presidential reference and the arguments presented by the government, represented by former Federal Law Minister Faroogh Naseem, illegal and mala fide (based on ill-intent). The Supreme Court lawyers’ body stated that its support for Justice Isa is a move to safeguard the interests, integrity, and independence of the judiciary.

Wife Murdered, Teen Girl Shot

Yumna Soomro, a resident of Markhpur area in district Dadu, Sindh, was bludgeoned to death with an iron rod by her husband, Abdullah Soomro. Upon arrest, the suspect confessed he had killed her for not being faithful. However, according to his brother-in-law, Mohammad Umer Soomro, Abdullah had a history of physically abusing and mentally torturing his sister for not bearing him a son. Investigation still underway.

Meanwhile, Zahra, a resident of Iqbal Town in Lahore, was allegedly shot for revenge by one Mustafa Ashraf for turning down his proposal. Zahra was our running an errand with her cousin when the suspect fired at them – the victim received bullet wounds in an arm and leg, and was rushed to a nearby hospital by a rescue team. Prior to the incident, the girl’s grandfather stated that the suspect’s family had approached the girl for marriage, but she had refused them.

Stun Rods To Enforce SOP

Four Civil Defense policemen in Faisalabad were suspended by their Deputy Commissioner for using stun rods against citizens caught without masks in public places. Taking note of the matter, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan decried the use of the rods, stating electrocuting citizens to enforce SOPs is a gross violation of Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan and the United Nations Convention Against Torture charter. The rights body also lambasted the State for equipping law enforcement personnel with the weapon in the first place.