A Judicial Magistrate (South Karachi) has ordered that two police officials accused in the custodial death of a young man, Muhammad Irfan, be handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further investigation. The officials, identified as ASI Abid Shah and Constable Asif Ali, were previously in local police custody.
According to court details, both officers are being investigated in connection with Irfan’s death, which occurred while he was under police detention. The incident sparked widespread outrage, prompting calls for justice and stricter oversight of law enforcement practices in Karachi.
The magistrate directed that the accused officers be transferred to the FIA to ensure a transparent and independent inquiry. The decision came after allegations that the local police had failed to conduct a fair investigation, raising concerns of internal bias.
Human rights advocates have welcomed the court’s move, calling it a step toward accountability within the police force. They argue that such cases highlight the urgent need for reforms to prevent further instances of custodial violence.
Sources said that the FIA would now examine the evidence, including autopsy reports, custody records, and CCTV footage, to determine whether excessive force or negligence led to Irfan’s death. The agency’s findings will play a crucial role in deciding future legal proceedings against the accused officers.
Civil society groups and legal experts have emphasized that this case could set a precedent for how custodial deaths are handled in Pakistan. They believe transferring the investigation to a federal body signals the judiciary’s growing intolerance for misconduct within law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Karachi police officials have promised full cooperation with the FIA and assured that disciplinary action will be taken if the accused are found guilty.
In related developments, Karachi’s traffic authorities have intensified digital monitoring through their E-Challan system, which recently collected over Rs 12.5 million in fines. The initiative reflects how technology is being used to strengthen accountability in law enforcement a principle also echoed in the FIA’s handling of the custody death case.
As investigations continue, the family of Muhammad Irfan and rights groups are urging authorities to ensure justice is served, marking a critical test for Pakistan’s legal and policing systems.
