By Imtiaz Hussain
LARKANA: The Sindh Human Rights Commission said it had taken suo motu notice of the killing of a mother and daughter in Larkana and directed the Senior Superintendent of Police of the district to submit a detailed report.
The commission expressed deep anguish and unequivocal condemnation over the killing of Shahida Jatoi and her minor daughter, Naghma Jatoi, reportedly carried out in the name of so-called karo kari.
It said the incident, in which the victims were allegedly murdered, their bodies desecrated and their home set on fire, reflected an appalling level of violence and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. Acts carried out under the guise of “honour”, it added, were not only morally reprehensible but also constituted serious crimes against the state.
The commission noted that a first information report had been registered promptly, a postmortem examination had been conducted and the accused had reportedly been arrested along with the weapon used in the crime. While these initial steps were important, it stressed that justice must not only be initiated but carried through transparently, swiftly and without any external influence.
It also took serious note of concerns regarding the conduct of the investigation, including the reported suspension of the concerned SHO, and said any negligence, delay or compromise in the investigation process undermined public trust and must be addressed through strict departmental accountability.
The commission reiterated that women and girls had an unequivocal right to life, dignity and the freedom to make decisions about their lives, adding that violence in the name of so-called honour was a gross violation of these rights and must be treated with zero tolerance.
It urged the Sindh government and relevant law enforcement authorities to ensure a transparent and merit-based investigation, guarantee the protection of evidence and witnesses, expedite prosecution to ensure a swift and fair trial, take strict action against any officials found negligent in their duties, and implement preventive measures to curb the recurrence of such crimes across the province.
The commission said it stood in solidarity with the victims’ family and called on all state institutions to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice was served without delay, adding that impunity for such acts must end.
