Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Kasur on Wednesday to review the progress of seven-year-old Zainab's murder and rape case and expressed optimism to apprehend the accused. While speaking to the media, Shahbaz urged the people in Kasur, especially those residing near Zainab's house, to cooperate with the joint investigation team and come forward with any information they might have.
"Please come forward and help the team," he said assuring the people that they will be provided security and their names will be kept confidential. "You will also be provided security," he assured. About the progress of case, Shahbaz said there have been some developments. The scientific pieces of evidence have helped the case move forward, he added. He shared that some evidence has revealed that there might be a possibility of an accomplice as well. "Comprehensive efforts are being taken by police, intelligence and law enforcement agencies."
He said he was personally overseeing the matter, but he did not outline a timeframe to arrest the culprit. Responding to a question on the rally being staged in Lahore on The Mall, Shahbaz urged the opponents not to politicize the issue. "The nation and the Almighty will not forgive us if we continue playing politics on sensitive issue," he said.
He also mentioned the case of a four-year-girl Asma in Mardan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said: "We all should work to expose elements involved in such heinous crimes." Criticizing his political opponents, Shahbaz remarked that they shed tears for Zainab.
"Does Asma also not deserve these same tears and prayers?" That daughter of the nation has also been murdered. "Why isn't anyone mourning her death?" Shahbaz also requested all the politicians to stop engaging in politics over such incidents. "I request that we shouldn't incite emotions of the public [over such incidents]. The nation is seeking justice for both Zainab and Asma."
To another query, Shahbaz said the inquiry of Kasur incident was purely based on 'scientific' investigation including DNA tests. He added that all law enforcement agencies and NADRA were cooperating in the investigation.
It may be added that a man resembling the suspect's sketch provided by the authorities in the eight-year-old rape and murder case was arrested from Bhatta Chowk area in Lahore. The suspect has been handed over to the JIT for further investigations.
Earlier, in a tweet, Shahbaz said: "If our Zainabs and Asmas cannot stop us from playing sordid political games and unite us for safety and bright future of our children, nothing else will. I appeal to all to rise above their biases and speak with one single voice. Let our children not say that we failed them."