Fatima Murder Case: Victim's mother defends accused despite evidence of 'sexual assault'

KARACHI – Delays and lapses in Pakistan’s criminal justice system again highlighted after twist in harrowing case of rape and murder of minor maid Fatima Furiro.

Last year in August, Pir Asad Shah Jeelani of Ranipur and his family members were arrested and facing trial for allegedly torturing his 10-year-old maid Fatima Furiro to death.

The case now surfaced again as Fatima’s parents submitted affidavits to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), asserting that their daughter died of natural causes in a recent hearing at Khairpur District and Sessions Court.

Her mother claimed that a case was filed based on social media reports and that she was forced into signing the documents. She further stated that she has no objection if the suspects are granted bail, hinting their innocence.

Judge Munawar Sultana has written to the Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench, seeking guidance on the jurisdiction of the case. Earlier, Sindh High Court had ordered that the Fatima murder case be tried in the ATC, directing a verdict within three months – but the case continues for a year.

District and Sessions Judge recommended that the case continue in Anti Terrorism Court, but the hearing has now been adjourned indefinitely.

Fatima Murder Case

Fatima’s tragic death in August 2023 sent shockwaves across the country as her painful death was captured in a viral video showing her suffering. The tragic death led to the arrest of the influential family of Ranipur.

The case took new turn during the last hearing when ATC transferred it to the District and Sessions Court after witnesses stepped back.

This latest development, with the mother defending the accused, added further complexity to an already sensitive case.