June 17, 2023
By Maryam Missal
LAHORE
The body of the acting Sub Division Education Officer (SDEO) in Landi Kotal, Rizwana Shaheen, was discovered in the faculty quarters of the Government Girls Primary School Mary Khel today (Saturday).
Sources claim that Rizwana, alongwith her husband Najeebullah and four minor children, hailed from Bannu but settled in Landi Kotal around two months ago following her appointment as the acting SDEO. She and her family were residing in the living quarters of the primary school since.
Rizwana’s residence was locked from the outside, as noted by the school security guard, Mohammad Ali, during a routine patrol at around 7:00 AM. He used his spare key to enter the residence where Rizwana’s body, which bore stab wounds, was found while her husband and children were missing.
An FIR was lodged on the complaint of Mohammad Ali under section 302 (murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against unidentified persons.
Police secured the victim’s body for an autopsy. Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Zia Hassan explained that Rizwana was stabbed numerous times.
In a conversation with Voicepk.net, Landi Kotal Police Station Moharar Ayaz Khan stated that Bannu police were alerted of the incident, and that Najeebullah was arrested in a raid at his home.
When asked if the police suspect this was an honour crime, he stated that further inquiries into the case will reveal the nature of the murder, and that honour killing clauses will be included in the FIR if necessary. Rizwana’s brother told Voicepk.net that he will be pursuing the case.
In a media briefing, SHO Domel Gul Mohammad Khan stated that the victim was murdered during the night. He also explained that the children were found with their father, and were left in the care of the accused’s family after confirming their safety.
According to another local source, Najeebullah allegedly harassed his wife for money and a share in her properties, which caused friction between the two.