Govt responsible if Zainab culprit is not arrested: CJP

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar Tuesday said the entire nation is grieving over the brutal incident of sexual assault and murder involving seven-year old girl Zainab.

A three-member bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar heard a suo motu case. CJ Nisar said the entire nation is sad over the death of the little girl whose body was found dumped at a trash heap on January 11.

Appearing before the bench, Punjab Additional Inspector General (AIG) Abubakar Khuda Buksh apprised the court of reason as to why Inspector General of Police Arif Nawaz did not appear before the court.

The CJ remarked the person behind Zainab's murder is a serial killer.

Justice Nisar also underscored the need for bridging the gap between the judiciary and the police so that glitches in the process by the latter in such cases can be avoided.

He said it is necessary to bridge this gap with the help of communication between the courts and the police.

On this occasion, the CJP sought assurance from the police authorities that the culprit responsible for Zainab's death is arrested at the earliest.

He also demanded assurance the culprit should not be eliminated in an encounter, adding, "It will be the failure of the police and the government, if the matter is not resolved."

Addressing the AIG, CJP Nisar said the court proceedings may be moved into the chambers if there are some aspects of the probe which he wants to reveal to the court.

Briefing the bench about the progress in the investigations, the police official said at least 1,100 suspects have been interrogated and DNA tests of 400 people have been conducted so far.

Meantime, the apex court directed the Lahore High Court to halt the proceedings of the Zainab case, as it argued the high court does not have the jurisdiction to hear suo motu cases.

The SC issued directives to the entire investigation team to appear before the bench in the next hearing which will be conducted at the SC Lahore Registry.

The court adjourned the hearing till Sunday. – Samaa