The withdrawal of statements and evidence by the key eyewitnesses in the Shahzeb murder case, while tragic, comes as no surprise. In a country like Pakistan where it is extremely hard to trust the law enforcement agencies and with a conspicuous absence of witness protection program, one can hardly blame the witnesses if presumably they decide to change their statements, about what they saw.
The protection programs being implemented by major nations like US, UK, New Zealand, China, Ireland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Ukraine and many other countries seeks to provide refuge to witness or any person involved in the justice system from any intimidation by the defendants or others. Even without implementing the program the local police could have provided protection to ensure the safety of the witnesses in specific cases.
Pakistan lacking such facilities also seems reluctant to see justice being done making it a norm for witnesses to retract their statements. One can hardly expect anyone to remember what they saw on a dark night, when their life and family is threatened. I would like to request the government and the judiciary to kindly ensure safety of witnesses, especially when key influential figures are involved.
AMNA BILLOO,
Karachi, March 25.