Islamabad High Court Upholds Denial of Bail for Husband and Father-in-Law in Domestic Burning Case
Islamabad,: The Islamabad High Court has rejected the bail applications of two key suspects in the tragic case of a woman, Sania Bibi, who was allegedly set on fire by her husband and father-in-law in Islamabad’s Kirpa area. The court’s ruling follows the victim’s death after suffering severe burns in an apparent act of domestic violence.
Details of the Incident:
Sania Bibi, aged 28, had been battling for her life in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after the horrific attack on June 8. The victim, who was a mother of three, was reportedly doused with petrol and set ablaze by her husband Adil Mahmood and father-in-law Mustasib Hussain. Despite being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, Sania succumbed to her injuries a few days later.
The case initially started as a domestic abuse investigation but was upgraded to murder after Sania’s death. The victim had earlier named her husband and father-in-law as the perpetrators in her dying declaration. According to her lawyer, Advocate Munir Ahmed, the suspects had been involved in prolonged domestic violence and had reportedly tortured her before setting her on fire during a heated altercation.
Praise for Advocate Munir Ahmed:
Advocate Munir Ahmed, who has been a tireless advocate for the victim’s family, has played a pivotal role in ensuring that justice is pursued in this case. His unwavering dedication to the cause of Sania Bibi and her family has been instrumental in bringing the case to the forefront of public attention. Ahmed has been vocal about the need to charge the suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) due to the heinous nature of the crime. His advocacy has shed light on the severity of domestic violence in Pakistan and the urgent need for stronger legal measures to protect women from such atrocities.
Additionally, Advocate Ahmed has been a strong proponent of adding charges under the Domestic Violence Act to ensure comprehensive justice for Sania. He has consistently urged the authorities to take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable. His advocacy is a testament to the tireless efforts of legal professionals who fight for justice, often in the face of systemic challenges.
Court Proceedings:
In a key legal development, the Islamabad High Court upheld the decision of the lower sessions court, which had earlier rejected the bail pleas of Adil Mahmood and Mustasib Hussain. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiani issued the order, ensuring that both suspects remain in judicial custody at Adiala Jail.
Advocate Munir Ahmed, representing the family of the deceased, stressed that the suspects should face charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for the gruesome nature of the crime. The lawyer also emphasized the need to include additional charges related to domestic violence as per the Domestic Violence Act, urging the prosecution to pursue these charges to ensure justice for the victim.
Historical Context:
This tragic case highlights the continuing issue of domestic violence in Pakistan, where women often face violence in their homes, sometimes leading to fatal consequences. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the severity of domestic abuse and the need for stronger enforcement of laws designed to protect women. The case has sparked public outcry, with many advocating for harsher punishments for perpetrators of such violence and greater awareness about domestic abuse.
As investigations continue, Islamabad Police have promised to pursue the case rigorously, ensuring that justice is served for Sania Bibi and her family. The case has also brought attention to the inadequacies of the legal system in handling domestic violence cases and the slow process of bringing perpetrators to justice.
