Extrajudicial Killings
Extrajudicial Killings in Blasphemy Case Raise Concerns in Sindh
Blasphemy
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are primarily governed by Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which prescribes the death penalty for anyone found guilty of insulting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Introduced to protect religious sentiments, these laws have been frequently misused, leading to wrongful accusations, mob violence, and extrajudicial killings. The legal framework lacks safeguards against misuse, allowing personal grudges to escalate into serious charges without due process. Critics argue that the laws foster a culture of fear and intolerance, undermining the principles of justice and human rights while prompting calls for urgent reform to prevent abuses.
Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar
Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar was a Senior Medical Officer known for his academic excellence and commitment to his profession. Graduating from Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) in Hyderabad in 2007-2008, he was recognized as a top student in his class. After completing his medical degree, he pursued postgraduate training at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi, where he faced challenges in passing his exams, which led to struggles with depression.
Despite his personal challenges, Dr. Kumbhar remained dedicated to his patients and the medical community. However, his life took a tragic turn when he was accused of blasphemy following allegations of inappropriate posts on social media. The police response was swift and fatal, leading extrajudicial killing. His case has sparked significant outrage and raised critical questions about the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and the urgent need for accountability and legal protections for individuals accused under these laws.
Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar was a competitive naat khawan in the festivals organized in University or college as told by his brother, celebrated for his passion and talent in reciting poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His daughter studies the Holy Quran at a local mosque. In 2020, he faced psychiatric challenges and was admitted to Agha Khan University Hospital later on discharged due to COVID19 crisis worldwide. Recently he came diabetic, he sometimes struggled with his temper, but his faith remained unwavering. He received treatment from his cousin, Dr. Shahid, a psychiatrist visiting from Manchester. Recently, following an accident, he stopped his psychiatric medications.
Tragically, during a time when posts were circulating about him, his father was taken by the police in his place for custody. Later, told police his whereabouts then the police brought him back to Mirpur Khas and killed him in an encounter. Despite these profound challenges, Dr. Shahnawaz was known for his generous donations during Meelad Nabi, reflecting his deep devotion.
Extrajudicial Killings by Sindh Police
The recent mishandling of a blasphemy case in Sindh has sparked significant concern and outrage across the province. The incident involves the extrajudicial killings, like Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar‘s fake encounter and burning the dead body, a medical officer from Umerkot accused of posting blasphemous content on Facebook. This situation has brought to light critical issues surrounding police conduct and the misuse of blasphemy laws.
Dr. Kumbhar faced accusations of sharing posts deemed blasphemous against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), allegedly from his old Facebook account. Following violent protests led by religious groups demanding immediate action, the police were pressured to initiate a case against him under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which prescribes the death penalty for insulting the Prophet
The situation escalated when Dr. Kumbhar was killed during a police encounter in Mirpurkhas. While law enforcement claims he was shot by an accomplice during an escape attempt, many—including civil society organizations—suspect that this was a staged encounter, raising alarms about custodial murder. Such suspicions have severely undermined the credibility of the involved police officers.
In the aftermath, several high-ranking officials, including DIG Javed Jiskani and SSP Chaudhry Asad, were suspended as the Sindh government launched an inquiry into the incident. However, the formation of the inquiry committee has not satisfied all stakeholders. Various human rights organizations, united under the Joint Action Committee, have rejected the police-led inquiry, demanding a judicial investigation and the registration of FIRs against the implicated officers.
This mishandling highlights ongoing concerns about the abuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, where accusations can lead to mob violence and extrajudicial killings that bypass due legal processes. Activists argue that blasphemy allegations are often manipulated to settle personal scores or silence dissent, making Dr. Kumbhar’s case a troubling example of this trend.
In response to the public outcry, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar reiterated the importance of following legal procedures for blasphemy cases, emphasizing that citizens must not take the law into their own hands. While he affirmed the commitment to the finality of Prophethood, he acknowledged the police’s failure in managing the case properly and assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of misconduct.
This case has reignited debates about Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which have faced criticism for their potential to incite violence and injustice. The tragic death of Dr. Kumbhar, coupled with the police’s extrajudicial killings, underscores the urgent need for legal reforms and the strict enforcement of protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the inquiry unfolds, both the people of Sindh and the international community will be closely monitoring the situation to see if justice is served and whether meaningful changes are made to address the systemic issues that have allowed such tragedies to occur.
Investigation
Following the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar, a blasphemy suspect, the Sindh police chief has ordered an inquiry and suspended Mirpurkhas SSP Capt (Retd) Muhammad Asad Ali. The inquiry committee, led by DIG Pervaiz Chandio (SBA), includes DIG Hyderabad and SSP Badin, with a seven-day deadline to report on the circumstances surrounding Dr. Kumbhar’s death. Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar emphasized that if blasphemy was committed, it should have been addressed through legal channels rather than mob justice, highlighting growing public concern over the incident.
FIR
An FIR has been lodged at the Umerkot police station by Mohammad Ibrahim Kumbhar, the brother-in-law of Dr. Shah Nawaz Kumbhar, against a mob of around 35 people. The FIR, filed under relevant sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), names 20 suspects involved in the burning of Dr. Kumbhar’s body.
Arrests in the Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar Case
In a significant development in the investigation of Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar’s tragic death, authorities have arrested seven individuals including Molvi Ahmad Shahani ,Riaz Panhwar and others connected to the burning of his dead body. These suspects have been presented before the court, marking a crucial step towards seeking justice for Dr. Kumbhar and his family. The arrests come as law enforcement intensifies its efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding this heinous crime and hold all involved accountable.
Postmortem Report of Dr Shahnawaz Kumbhar
The postmortem report of Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar reveals that he was shot at close range with two bullets: one from the front, which passed through his heart, and the other from the back, which pierced his lungs.
Family Demands Protection
Dr. Kumbhar’s mother condemned the police in video statement circulating on Facebook along with his sons and daughters, alleging they killed her son, incited mob violence, and burned his body. She demanded protection for her family, exemplary punishment for the officers involved, and a judicial inquiry, rejecting the police’s investigation.
Police Actions Condemned
Barrister Shahid Soomro
Ex-Judge Barrister Shahid Soomro has also expressed opposition to extrajudicial killings, stating that such actions must be addressed according to Sharia law or the state laws of Pakistan. He emphasized that taking the law into one’s own hands is unacceptable and undermines the legal system.
FSFM
The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) strongly condemns the extrajudicial killing of Dr. Shah Nawaz Kumbhar, emphasizing the need for united resistance against the rising tide of extremism in Pakistan. His tragic death during a police encounter, following accusations of blasphemy, underscores the urgent issues surrounding the misuse of blasphemy laws. The JSFM calls for a collective effort to safeguard human rights and uphold justice in society, urging authorities to address these injustices to prevent further tragedies.
Bottom-line
We respect all religions and uphold human rights, but extrajudicial killings are unacceptable. The recent case of Dr. Shahnawaz Kumbhar highlights the urgent need for due process and justice. We condemn such acts and call for accountability to ensure that no individual is denied their rights under the law.
Disclaimer
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