BY pardoning suspects of participation in her husband’s murder Shirin Johio, in published her simple but heartbreaking video message on Wednesday produced a piercing indictment of country criminal justice system. Giving reasons for while forgiving the suspects, Ms. Johio said she had four children and couldn’t run from pole to post search justice from the courts. Her decision, she said, was not based on greed, and that she was not offered financial compensation. She had wanted to fight case, but it was abandoned even her loved ones. Did not have justice in Pakistan, Ms. Johio lamented, and said that she left matters to God. Activist Nazim Johio was found killed last November at the PPP MPA Jam Awais farm. in Karachi. The autopsy report found that the deceased, who allegedly abducted shortly after filming illegal hunting of beautiful bustard was brutally tortured. That family also accused PPP MNA Jam Abdul Karim of participation.
Although Ms. Johio’s pardon is not legally binding, her grief underscores how it’s hard ensure this justice done, even in such loud things one. Certificate of it’s a lie in words of advocate general myself who said in 2020 what criminal justice system tends to favor criminals over victims. No wonder that people who do not have the resources to access strong legal advice when facing side pressure powerful elements, give up their desire to seek justice for your loved ones or for themselves. Miss Johio decision pardon the criminals call of grief. Her helplessness in in face of many chances that such a large number of peopleespecially those without funds. That challenges set and range from political interference in in justice system to a shoddy investigation, unprofessional lawyers and unsympathetic police force. The question is: who Ready to address these shortcomings?
Published in Dawn, April 1, 2022
