Govt decides to pursue Usman Mirza harassment case on state’s behalf

Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has directed authorities concerned to provide him regular follow-up reports in the Usman Mirza harassment case and the Lahore Motorway rape case.

This was stated by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill on Wednesday.

In a tweet, Shahbaz Gill said that aside from the Islamabad harassment case, the premier has sought a report on the motorway rape case as well and has directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to conduct a follow-up on both cases on a daily basis and bring them to a conclusion.

Gill quoted PM Imran Khan as saying, "protection of the citizens' rights is the primary duty of the government."

وزیر اعظم عمران خان کا اسلام آباد ہراسگی کیس اور موٹروے ریپ کیس کی پیروی پر رپورٹ طلب

روزانہ کی بنیاد پر فالو اپ کر کے ان کیسز کو منطقی انجام تک پہنچایا جائے۔ وزیر اعظم کی وزارت قانون کو ہدایت

شہریوں کے حقوق کا تحفظ حکومت کا اولین فرض ہے۔ وزیر اعظم

— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) January 12, 2022

His statement comes a day after an Islamabad couple, victims of sexual harassment and abuse, retracted their statements and refused to identify prime suspect Usman Mirza.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Law decided that the State will pursue prosecution in the Usman Mirza case irrespective of recent developments relating to victim’s testimony.

“Irrefutable video and forensic evidence on record- anyone harassing and stripping a woman must face the full force of the law,” Maleeka Bokhari, parliamentary secretary on law and justice tweeted.

Meeting held at @MoLawJusticeof1
The State will pursue prosecution in the Usman Mirza case irrespective of recent developments relating to victim's testimony.Irrefutable video & forensic evidence on record- anyone harrassing & stripping a woman must face full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/SHRMCzhXk1

— Maleeka Bokhari (@MalBokhari) January 12, 2022