On Thursday, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar revealed the findings of an inquiry into the killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kunbhar, accused of blasphemy, by Mirpurkhas police.
The report concluded that the encounter in which the doctor was killed was “staged” by the police to cover up an extra-judicial act.
Moreover, Dr Shahnawaz, accused of sharing blasphemous content on social media, was killed on September 19 during what authorities initially presented as a gunfight.
However, an inquiry committee found that the incident was fabricated. Evidence, including CCTV footage and police testimonies, showed the doctor was taken into custody from Karachi and later killed in a managed encounter.
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As a result, Mirpurkhas SSP was suspended, and an FIR against the officers involved is underway. The committee has urged for strict action against Umerkot and Mirpurkhas police, while the deceased’s family has been given the option to file a formal case. If they do not, the state will take responsibility for filing it.
Addressing the media, Minister Lanjar stressed that this inquiry focused solely on the encounter, and forensic analysis of the blasphemy allegations against Dr. Shahnawaz is still pending. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and called for reforms within the police force to uphold the rule of law.
Furthermore, Lanjar condemned the celebration of the killing by political figures and vowed that such actions would not be tolerated. He also clarified that any necessary investigations against those allegedly involved will be conducted without hesitation.
The minister reiterated the government’s stance against extremism, emphasising that all citizens, regardless of religion, have equal rights under the law.
