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SHC allows Dua Zahra to decide her fate

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

“In light of all evidence, this is not kidnapping case,” SHC says.
Court says it reached a verdict in line with testimonies.
Dua is at liberty to decide as to whom she intends to reside with, it says.

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) Wednesday allowed teenager Dua Zahra — who had mysteriously gone missing from Karachi in April but later declared that she had run away from her home to marry 21-year-old Zaheer Ahmed — to decide where she wants to go, with her parents or husband.

In a three-page written order, Justice Junaid Ghaffar said the court reached the verdict in line with the testimonies. “In light of all the evidence, this is not a case of kidnapping.”

“…the alleged/minor Dua E Zahra Kazmi, pursuant to her statement on Oath and Age Certificate is set at liberty to decide as to whom she intends to reside and go along,” the order read.

In the order, the court also said that it has decided to dispose of Zahra’s father’s — Mehdi Ali Kazmi — petition for her recovery as the case of his daughter was not of kidnapping.

For the production of Dua before the Lahore High Court later this week, the SHC said the Sindh Police is at liberty to produce it if required. But the judge said that “we, after production and statement of the alleged abductee Dua, are not inclined to issue any further directions to that effect.”

Dua wants to ‘go home’

The SHC earlier in the day reserved the verdict after police presented Dua and her 21-year-old husband Zaheer Ahmed before the court after the ossification test as per the court’s orders passed in the last hearing.

During today’s hearing, Justice Ghaffar allowed Dua’s parents to meet her for 10 minutes in his chambers as they were not permitted to speak to her earlier.

On Monday, Dua refused to meet her parents. It was the first time she was presented before the SHC after she was recovered by the Punjab police more than one-and-a-half months into her mysterious disappearance.

But today, after meeting her parents, the girl’s mother spoke to journalists and said that Zahra told her that she wants to come home.

“My daughter said in the meeting that I want to go home. Dua said she will give her statement in court,” the mother said.

Dua’s father challenges test report

The SHC had ordered the authorities to conduct an ossification test to determine Dua Zahra’s age. She had claimed to be 18 years old — old enough to marry out of her own free will.

The ossification test report, however, suggested Dua is 16 or 17 years old. The report was also confirmed by a radiologist, Dr Saba Jamil. However, Dua’s father Kazmi has expressed reservations over the medical report of his daughter and termed it “false”.

He challenged the report in court.

Talking to the media, Mehdi’s counsel Altaf Khoso said the report is based on malafide intent and that they have all the documents that provide evidence for Dua’s age.

“No medical board was formed for the determination of Dua’s age and a junior doctor prepared the report but the court has to decide,” Khoso said.

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There will be no rally in Islamabad on May 9, as police warn of stern action.

Published

14 hours ago

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On Tuesday, police announced the federal government had implemented Section 144 in the Capital, which prohibited anyone from holding a gathering without permission.

The Capital police have warned that individuals who attempt to hold a gathering on May 9 will face severe consequences. Those who organize a protest procession without previous permission will face legal consequences. The Capital Police Department stated that such an attempt would not be permitted.

It should be noted that the PTI has organized a ‘peaceful’ demonstration in Islamabad on May 9, and has sought a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 incident.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media on Tuesday, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, along with the party’s top leaders, including Shoaib Shaheen, stated that peaceful protest was a fundamental right of any political party. They also inquired about the location of CCTV footage from the May 9 occurrences.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called for the establishment of a judicial committee to probe the events of May 9. Barrister Gohar reiterated the party’s position on the Public Accounts Committee chairman, noting that it was an internal matter that will be settled upon notification.

In response to the DG ISPR’s recent press conference, Barrister Gohar stated, “I will read the DG ISPR’s statement and then comment.”

Shoaib Shaheen emphasized claimed acts of state terrorism, such as the kidnapping of the PTI’s founder and cases like Zille Shah. He also expressed concern about CCTV camera breakdowns in critical situations.

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Hajj 2024: Pakistan’s inaugural flight, carrying 180 pilgrims, departs tomorrow

Published

14 hours ago

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The first Hajj flight will depart from Karachi International Airport on Thursday (tomorrow) with 180 pilgrims, Ministry of Religious Affairs officials announced on Tuesday.

According to the officials, the first flight would depart at 1:45 a.m. on Thursday. According to them, up to 180 pilgrims will fly from Karachi to Medina, while a second aircraft of 150 pilgrims would depart for the holy region at 2 a.m.

In a month-long pre-Hajj flying operation, more than 68,000 prospective pilgrims under the government’s regular Hajj scheme would be ferried to Saudi Arabia on 259 flights by multiple airlines.

Most planes would arrive in Jeddah between May 24 and June 9, with the post-Hajj flight service from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan beginning on June 20.

On the first day (Thursday), 11 aircraft carrying 2,160 pilgrims would leave Pakistani airports for Medina.

Three aircraft from Islamabad would transport up to 680 pilgrims to Medina, two flights from Karachi would carry 330 pilgrims, and three flights from Lahore would transport 670 pilgrims.

The first Hajj flights from Quetta and Sukkur are scheduled for May 11 and 27, respectively.

Pre-HAJJ Arrangements

Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had finalized plans for the incoming pilgrims. As a result, the pilgrims were vaccinated on April 30 because travelers must obtain the mandated immunization 10 days before their Hajj flights begin.

Pilgrims must carry smartphones with them so that they can use applications for assistance throughout their Hajj journey.

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PM expresses condolences to UAE President over Sheikh Tahnoun’s death

Published

14 hours ago

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, conveying his profound condolences on the death of his beloved uncle, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohamed Al Nahyan.

According to a press release from the PM Office Media Wing, the prime minister prayed for the departed soul’s ultimate peace as well as patience for the Royal Family in bearing this terrible loss.

The prime minister stated that the people of Pakistan have always held the UAE Royal Family in high esteem and respect, praising the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founder and a close friend of Pakistan.

The UAE president thanked the prime minister for the phone conversation. Both leaders underlined their determination to strengthen bilateral relations between the two fraternal countries.

They also promised to meet soon, at a time that worked for both of them.