PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa investigators recommended engaging a private counsel at state’s expense for prosecuting Mashal Khan’s murder case. This was stated by the Additional AIG Investigation, Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad, in a letter written to the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.
Earlier, Mashal’s father had urged the government to hire a lawyer at its expense and shift the case to the Peshawar High Court (PHC). Iqbal Khan’s demand for appointing a private prosecution counsel “is permissible under the law”, he stated.
Accordingly, it is proposed that (keeping in view the importance of the case), Iqbal Khan may be provided private prosecutor/prosecuting team as requested by him in the press conference. As far as the issue of transferring the case is concerned, Swabi and Mardan police have already been directed to remain extremely cognizant of the security of Iqbal Khan and family. However, keeping in view the ramifications of the case, it is proposed that the issue of transfer of the case to a trial court in Peshawar may also be taken up with the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, if deemed appropriate,” stated the letter.
