Supreme Court of Pakistan. — AFP photo/File

ISLAMABAD: During Thursday’s hearing of the case pertaining to the murders of the wife and daughter of Balochistan MPA Mir Bakhtiyar Domki, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry reprimanded the investigation officer for a less-than satisfactory performance, DawnNews reported.

A three-member bench of the apex court, led by Chief Justice Iftikhar, heard the case.

During the hearing, Investigation Officer Shabbir Sheikh presented his report on the case and said the case’s complete report had been submitted.

Responding to which, Chief Justice Iftikhar said the report indicated a lack of interest in the case on part of the investigation team. He added that the court must reach a logical resolution of the case and sought an explanation from Sheikh over the delay and the apparent lack of interest on part of the investigation officer.

Chief Justice Iftikhar said any departmental directives could not obstruct the court’s orders, adding that, conducting an investigation after a crime was committed was a fundamental rule.

Moreover, he alleged that the investigation team was attempting to wrap up the case as soon as possible without having reached a proper conclusion. He then directed the investigation officer to arrest the culprits as soon as possible as the lack of arrests was raising questions on the investigation team’s performance.

In his response, Sheikh said he had a small number of personnel in his unit whereas the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had 800 members. The officer further said that despite having a significant number of personnel, the CID had an arrest rate of 60 per cent when it came to apprehending target killers and members of the Taliban.

Sheikh added that 3,200 personnel were stationed in Karachi, but their arrest rate was 40 per cent. He also referred to today’s suicide bombing.

Chief Justice Iftikhar replied that it was a blind murder and no names were available. He added that forensic evidence must be pursued in order to solve the case

The chief justice added that these were modern times and no one could escape if expertise was employed. He added that no help would be requested from abroad and the investigation must take place in the present circumstances.

Subsequently, the court adjourned the hearing for two weeks’ time.