News Desk
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that DNA and polygraph test results indicate the alleged involvement of a domestic worker in the murder and sexual assault of Hina Javed, as investigations into the high-profile case remain ongoing.
Responding to a tweet by senior journalist Mubashir Zaidi drawing attention to the case, the chief minister said she was closely monitoring developments in the investigation.
However, she clarified that the investigation into Hina’s murder and sexual assault had not yet concluded. Hina, a 45-year-old digital designer, was found dead at her residence in Rawalpindi’s Lal Kurti area on August 20. Police arrested her husband, Faisal Asghar Imam, and domestic worker Zeeshan Arshad in connection with the murder.
Earlier, investigators conducted DNA and polygraph examinations of both suspects at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency as part of efforts to establish their possible roles in the crime. On September 30, the Punjab government constituted a three-member high-powered committee, headed by Additional Inspector General of the Crime Control Department Sohail Zafar Chattha, to review the investigation after receiving forensic reports.
The committee subsequently launched a fresh investigation, examining forensic evidence, visiting the crime scene and reviewing possible shortcomings in the earlier police probe.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation and demanded the formation of a judicial commission to ensure an independent and transparent inquiry.
In the latest development, an autopsy report revealed extensive injuries on Hina’s body, including a broken neck, a deep wound to the back of her head and multiple signs of violence.
The case has also reached the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior, which has summoned senior Punjab police officials for a briefing scheduled for October 29. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the suspects are subject to judicial determination.
NCCIA arrests suspect for blackmailing children through social media
National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Lahore Zone, arrested a 25-year-old suspect for allegedly blackmailing minors through social media and threatening to sell their private pictures and videos on pornographic websites.
NCCIA Lahore Zone Additional Director Atif Ameer told media on Saturday that the suspect, identified as Umair Wilayat alias Umair Ali, was arrested near Pakistan Mint in Shalimar Town. A team led by Inspector Aqib Ali Khan also seized two iPhones from his possession.
According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly contacted minors through Snapchat and other social media platforms, obtained their objectionable pictures and videos and used the material to blackmail them. He allegedly threatened to sell the content on pornographic websites to make money.
An initial examination of the seized iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 Pro reportedly revealed TikTok message conversations containing evidence of alleged blackmail and attempts to gain financial benefits through objectionable material.