The killing of a 21-year-old Christian woman in Pakistan and the alleged abduction of her teenage stepbrother have raised concerns over witness intimidation and access to justice for the country’s Christian minority.
Saba Mehboob was shot dead inside her family home in the Dhoke Ratta/Ratta Amral area of Rawalpindi on Sept. 3, according to the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement-UK (CLAAS-UK).
Her stepbrother was allegedly abducted after the shooting, held for about 21 hours, and threatened with death if he told police what had happened.
According to the family, the alleged assailant, Adnan Butt, was a Muslim neighbor who had been harassing Mehboob and making unwanted advances toward her. The family believes her rejection of those advances may have contributed to the circumstances leading to the attack.
CLAAS-UK said investigators must establish the precise motive for the killing and examine all relevant circumstances impartially.
According to the first information report, or FIR, Butt allegedly entered the family home armed with a pistol and shot Mehboob in the forehead, killing her at the scene.
The case was registered at Ratta Amral Police Station as FIR No. 512/26. Police reportedly began efforts to apprehend the alleged perpetrator.
The FIR also alleged that Butt and an accomplice abducted Mehboob’s stepbrother following the shooting and held him for about 21 hours. The teenager was reportedly threatened with death if he informed police about what had happened.
It was also alleged that the teenager was pressured to take responsibility for his sister’s killing.
CLAAS-UK Director Nasir Saeed said threats against relatives of a murder victim could undermine their ability to cooperate with investigators and pursue justice.
“When the relatives of a murder victim are allegedly threatened or intimidated, their ability to seek justice is itself put at risk,” Saeed said.
“The authorities have a responsibility not only to investigate Saba’s killing but also to make sure her family can pursue justice without fear of retaliation,” he added.
According to CLAAS-UK, Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar has taken notice of Mehboob’s killing and contacted the inspector general of Punjab Police.
The minister reportedly directed authorities to conduct a complete and comprehensive investigation, examine all aspects of the incident and pursue the case on a priority basis. He also sought a report on the progress of the investigation.
Saeed welcomed the intervention but said it must result in concrete action.
“This is an important step, but it must now translate into effective action. The family needs protection, the investigation must be conducted without fear or favour, and everyone found responsible must be brought before the law,” he said.
CLAAS-UK said the case has also raised wider concerns over the safety of Christians in Pakistan and the ability of vulnerable religious minorities to obtain protection and justice.
“Christians in Pakistan continue to experience discrimination, marginalisation and vulnerability, particularly those from poor and socially disadvantaged backgrounds,” Saeed said.
He said Mehboob and her family were entitled to the same protection afforded to other Pakistani citizens.
“Saba was a young Pakistani woman and a member of the Christian community. She was entitled to the same protection of her life, dignity and security as every other citizen,” Saeed said.
“Her family deserves the same protection and access to justice as any other family in Pakistan,” he added.
CLAAS-UK called on Punjab Police to conduct a full, impartial and evidence-based investigation, including the examination and preservation of relevant forensic, CCTV, mobile-phone and other digital evidence.
The organization also urged authorities to investigate the alleged abduction and threats against Mehboob’s stepbrother and provide protection to the family and any witnesses who may be at risk.
“Justice for Saba means establishing the truth, protecting her family and holding accountable everyone proven responsible through due process,” Saeed said.
