CJP directs authorities to ensure arrest of Asma Rani's murderer within a month

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday directed authorities to ensure arrest of absconding prime accused, Mujahidullah Afridi, in Asma Rani murder case within a month.

A three-judge bench of Supreme Court, headed by Justice Nisar, heard the suo motu case of Asma’s murder in Kohat, who was shot dead by Afridi after she turned down his proposal of marriage.

During the court proceedings today, the deputy advocate general informed the bench that the Interpol has issued red warrants for Afridi and placed his name on the most wanted list.

The police officials anticipated that the accused would soon be arrested.

On the occasion, the paternal uncle of Afridi appeared before the bench and informed that a contact has been established with Afridi’s father abroad.

To which, the CJP remarked that sympathy to an absconder wouldn’t last long as the suspect would be brought to justice sooner or later.

He enquired him whether he is member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Afridi’s uncle responded positively.

At which, Justice Nisar asserted that a case would also be filed against him if his support and involvement proved in the case.

The CJP then urged authorities to ensure the arrest of the culprit within a month and adjourned the hearing till next month.

Asma Rani’s murder

Asma Rani, a third year student at Ayub Medical College, was shot dead in January after she rejected a marriage proposal of the accused.

She was returning home in a rickshaw with her sister-in-law when suspect Mujahid Afridi who was already present outside their house shot her dead.

Asma received three bullet wounds and was shifted to a hospital in critical condition but later she died of her wounds.

The victim revealed the name of the person who fired on her in the moments before her death.

She said his name was Mujahid Afridi and he was the nephew of PTI district vice-president Kohat Aftab Alam.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had also approached the Interpol Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) to locate and get extradition of the accused to Pakistan.

Police had registered an FIR of the case on the complaint of the brother of the deceased, Muhammad Irfan, under Section 324 and 304 of Pakistan Penal Code.