The Dark Side of Custodial Deaths in Karachi
Last week, Karachi was shaken by yet another tragic incident involving the Special Investigation Unit (SIU). A young man named Irfan died while in custody, allegedly due to police torture. Irfan, who had come from Bahawalpur, was detained with three friends while they were filming videos during breakfast. What began as a casual outing turned into a nightmare when SIU officials confiscated their mobile phones and they were unable to reach their families for help.
In response to Irfan’s death, his relatives staged a protest outside the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) Centre in Saddar, expressing their grief and outrage over what they believe was a brutal act of police misconduct. It’s a heartbreaking story that echoes deep-seated issues with custodial practices in Pakistan, particularly within the SIU.
According to Saddar Police Station SHO Chaudhry Zahid, police were alerted by Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) about an unidentified body. Upon arrival, they found SIU personnel already there, creating confusion about the situation. The fact that the victim’s family had not been informed of his death raises serious questions about police transparency and accountability.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first instance of such a tragedy. There have been numerous complaints regarding custodial deaths involving SIU officers, raising concerns about a pattern of abuse. Just last year, a similar incident occurred where police were implicated in torturing a citizen to death and leaving his body near his residence. In light of such ongoing issues, the authorities promised further inquiries, but many in the community remain skeptical.
It’s alarming to think that these events are not isolated, as allegations suggest that the SIU has a history of not only torture but also routine abductions and ransom demands. One troubling case involved a man named Qayamuddin, who was unlawfully detained by SIU officials during a raid and later released with threats—another reminder of the grim realities faced by citizens in these troubling encounters.
So, what’s the takeaway from these tragic stories? First and foremost, it’s vital that communities come together to advocate for justice and reform in law enforcement practices. The voices of victims’ families must be heard, and systemic changes need to be implemented to prevent such abuses from happening again.
For those interested in learning more about advocacy and reform, or if you’d like to connect with like-minded individuals, check out Pro21st. It’s a great platform for discussions and initiatives aimed at creating positive change in our communities. We all deserve to feel safe and protected, and together, we can help strengthen that vision.
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