Security concerns hurdle education of Mashaal’s sisters

ISLAMABAD: The sisters of Mashaal Khan who was lynched at the Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan for alleged blasphemy are increasingly facing difficulty to continue their studies due to security concerns. 

Mashaal’s father Iqbal Khan has appealed to the Supreme Court to assist in arrangements for his daughter’s education in Islamabad. He appeared before the Supreme Court on Wednesday as it heard suo motu proceedings against Mashaal’s murder.

Iqbal said that education is necessary but also is safety and security of life. He said his daughters are facing difficulty after they defended their brother and condemned his brutal killing.

“Life is more important than education. Have any assurances of security given in the university” said Iqbal speaking to media outside the Supreme Court. “I appeal that universities are opened and no hurdles are made in acquiring education, and excellent security is provided to the students of Mardan.”

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar said that the provision of security is the government’s responsibility but the court can instruct the government to make necessary arrangements for Mashaal’s sisters in Islamabad at a university of their choice.

The apex court was informed that 57 people were identified through videos in the murder of Mashaal, out of which 53 have been arrested. Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said that suspect Imran who shot at Mashaal are confessed to the crime.

He said that Mashaal’s murder didn’t happen over a few but was pre-planned and that he was killed after a slanderous campaign was launched against him.  He decried no action was taken by the university administration over the defamation campaign against him. He also alleged that area police had knowledge of the campaign but took no action as well.

The counsel for Mashaal’s father said that area DSP and SHO were present during the incident but did not make any effort to stop the murder.

CJP said that inaction against the police and university administration is also not less than a serious crime. He said that such incidents have no place in an Islamic society.