DIG, SSP, CIA Team Mirpurkhas, SHO Sindhri Suspended Over Allegations of Extrajudicial Killing

APP

Karachi: Sindh Minister for Home, Law, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, informed the Sindh Assembly on Friday that several senior police officials, including the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mirpurkhas, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mirpurkhas, the CIA team of Mirpurkhas, and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sindhri, have been suspended following allegations of the extrajudicial killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar from Umerkot. Dr Kunbhar was accused of sharing a blasphemous post on social media.

Addressing the Assembly, Minister Lanjar stated that the matter had gained significant attention over the past 24 to 48 hours, prompting him to brief the house.

He explained that Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar, who was allegedly involved in posting blasphemous content, was killed in an encounter with police in Mirpurkhas.

The police claimed self-defense, but they were now facing allegations of carrying out an extrajudicial killing.

Lanjar emphasized the importance of justice and due process, citing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about verifying incidents before taking action.

He reassured the Assembly that an inquiry committee had been formed to investigate the matter, with a report expected within seven days. “It is our responsibility to ensure no injustice occurs,” he said, adding that the suspended officers would have the chance to prove their innocence.

Sindh Minister for Education, Syed Sardar Shah, also addressed the Assembly, expressing concerns over the incident.

He highlighted that Dr Kunbhar’s family was known for their religious background and that the doctor had clarified in a video, posted on Facebook, that his account had been hacked and he had not shared any blasphemous content.

Shah further disclosed that Dr Kunbhar had been receiving psychiatric treatment since 2020.

Shah praised the Home Minister’s swift action in suspending the officers and launching an inquiry. He reiterated the importance of giving individuals the opportunity to prove their innocence, reflecting Islamic principles of justice.

Lawmaker Mohammed Farooq also weighed in, stressing that Islam promotes peace and protection for all, including minorities.

He emphasized that no individual should act as a judge or authority, and decisions must be made through due process.

Earlier, the Assembly session began with the recitation of the “Holy Quran” and Naat Sharif, followed by a question-and-answer session regarding the Sports and Youth Affairs Department.