A journalist was sent to jail on 14-day judicial remand in wife’s murder case in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
Police arrested journalist Ali Salman Alvi, working for a private TV channel, for allegedly killing his wife (Sadaf Zahra) in Rawalpindi’s Yousuf Colony in the limits of Airport Police Station.
According to an FIR registered on June 29, Alvi has been accused by his sister-in-law, Mahwish Zahra, of murdering his wife and covering it up as a suicide.
She rushed to their home, along with her husband and mother, where they found the suspect standing at the main door while the rest of the doors had been locked from the inside, the FIR said.
She added that the suspect then led them to their room where they found Zahra’s body hanging from the ceiling fan by a bed sheet tied around her neck and a ladder lying close by.
The victim’s sister alleged that the suspect had beaten her sister on multiple occasions, despite being warned repeatedly. She urged the police to investigate the incident.
The incident was highlighted on social media on Wednesday as citizens demanded justice for the victim, who had previously spoken up about domestic violence on Twitter.
Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said that forensic investigations were being done on alleged evidence.
Responding to journalist Arshad Sharif in a tweet, Mazari said: “Sorry was in NA so cldnt respond earlier - had taken note of case - FIR has been registered - one accused arrested and forensic investigation being done on alleged evidence. Will keep following with police to ensure justice is done.”
Senior journalist Asma Sherazi said: “I was shocked & numbed the moment I got to know abt incident & FIR,not just myself but media group I’m working with strictly condemned & terminated accused. Read Sadaf’s thread in morning whom I never met but am heartbroken. #RIPSadaf Justice must prevail #JusticeForZahra”
Digital Rights Foundation Director Nighat Dad said: “Read this harrowing thread of what happened with Sadaf by her friend”