Swabi Grand Jirga demands justice for Mashal Khan’s family
SWABI, 2 May: A Grand Jirga in Swabi on Monday called for thorough investigations into corruption in Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan and inclusion of officials involved in corruption in Mashal Khan murder case.
The Jirga called by the father of Mashal Khan was attended by leaders from different political parties, religious scholars, social activists and other people belonging to different walks of life. The Jirga unanimously passed several resolutions including condemnation of Mashal Khan’s murder on blasphemy charges, filing of case against people challenging the writ of the government, Tamgha-e-Jurrat for Mashal Khan and Shohada Package for the family of Mashal Khan.
Participants of the Jirga said the killers of Mashal Khan also challenged the writ of the government, therefore, this aspect should also be included in cases against them. They also demanded investigation of corruption in the university, sacking the whole security staff of the university and officials of the concerned police station, including deputy superintendent of police (DSP), naming of Journalism Department of Abdul Wali Khan University and Swabi University after Mashal Khan and giving peace award to his father. They said the government will lose credibility to stay in power if it failed to provide full justice to Mashal Khan’s family.
The Awami National Party (ANP) women chapter central leader Bushra Gohar said the university administration and police should be thoroughly investigated in the matter.
“Mashal Khan’s murder is the result of the failure of the government machinery. Unfortunately, the policies to push Pakhtuns to the corner are still in vogue,” she said.
A committee was also formed during the Jirga to talk with leaders of different political parties to ensure justice for Mashal Khan’s family.
The Jirga will also organise Chehlum for Mashal Khan on 21 May in Zaida village of Swabi.
