LHC summons Sahiwal JIT head

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday summoned the Sahiwal Joint Investigation Team (JIT) head along with the incident’s report, ARY News reported.

A single judge bench headed by LHC Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan was hearing a petition, seeking a judicial probe into the tragic incident where four members of a family and an alleged terrorist were killed by Punjab Counter Terrorism Department personnel in Sahiwal on Jan 19.

Responding to the court notice, Punjab police chief Amjad Javed Saleemi appeared before the CJ and informed him that all the accused had been put behind bars.  “The police officials who exhibited negligence in their duties have been transferred.”

He assured the court that the JIT is probing into the matter and a charge-sheet would be filed in the relevant court when the investigation is completed

The high court chief justice also ordered to form a two-judge bench to hear the proceedings of the case.

Citing the unfortunate Sahiwal incident, Advocate Safdar Shaheen Pirzada who is one of the petitioners, alleged that the government of Punjab had miserably failed in maintaining peace throughout the province.

“Punjab government termed the deceased people as terrorists instead of apprehending the real culprits,” he said. “The statements of Chief Minister Punjab, Governor Punjab and Punjab law minister contradict with each other.”

Pirzada further alleged that Punjab government ordered the formation of a JIT because of the criticism it started receiving after the fake encounter. “Summon the chief minister to ascertain facts and grant a relief package to the family of the deceased people.”

In response, the court stated that the “inquiry and tribunal act” is quite clear regarding the formation of a commission.

Before wrapping up the proceedings, the court directed the JIT to give all parties involved in the matter a fair hearing before reaching any conclusion.

The hearing was adjourned till Feb 4.