Why is the JIT not being allowed to submit its report despite completing its investigation?
The JIT notification was suspended on the petition of the accused, yet no verdict has been announced despite completion of arguments.
A fair trial is only possible through an impartial investigation; appeal made to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice of the delay.
Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, the founder and patron-in-chief of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, in a statement issued on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the Model Town martyrs, has reiterated his appeal to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan to ensure the early disposal of the petition concerning the Model Town tragedy Joint Investigation Team (JIT), which remains pending before the Lahore High Court.
He said that the constitutional and legal requirements of a fair trial can only be fulfilled when the JIT report is submitted before the trial court.
Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri noted that the Supreme Court of Pakistan had previously directed the Lahore High Court to decide the JIT-related case on a priority basis within three months.
Recalling the events of June 17, 2014, he stated that police personnel opened indiscriminate fire in broad daylight without provocation, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of dozens of workers, spreading fear and terror. He lamented that the victims have been deprived of justice for the past twelve years.
Dr. Qadri explained that, pursuant to a Supreme Court order dated December 5, 2018, a JIT headed by A.D. Khawaja was constituted. The JIT commenced its investigation on January 14, 2019, and by March 20, 2019, had recorded statements from all individuals connected to the incident, including the injured, eyewitnesses, families of the deceased, and even the accused persons.
He said that while the JIT, under the leadership of A.D. Khawaja, was preparing to submit its report, the Lahore High Court, on March 22, 2019, suspended the JIT notification on a petition filed by those accused of involvement in the tragedy and restrained the team from proceeding further.
Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri expressed surprise that although legal arguments from both sides have been completed, no judgment has yet been announced.
He further pointed out that the Justice Baqir Najafi Commission Report had also concluded that the Model Town incident was not merely an accident. According to the report, the force involved in the operation appeared to be acting under centralized command and advanced according to specific instructions, carrying out actions that had been ordered.
He stated that he and his legal team, in collaboration with leading law chambers, continue to pursue justice through lawful means. He emphasized that they have never retreated from this struggle and will continue pursuing justice until their last breath. He added that the Model Town case remains alive today due to their continued commitment, interest, and support.
Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri recalled that on December 5, 2018, he personally appeared before a larger bench of the Supreme Court and requested the formation of a JIT to conduct an impartial investigation into the tragedy. He said that the head of the larger bench observed at the time that his long-standing demand for an impartial investigation was being accepted and that efforts for justice should henceforth be pursued through legal forums rather than protests.
Shaykh-ul-Islam remarked that since then, they have respected and adhered to that observation of the Supreme Court. He appealed to the judiciary to allow the JIT to submit its report so that the constitutional and legal prerequisites of a fair trial can be fulfilled.
Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri stated that he had informed the larger bench of the Supreme Court then—and reiterates the same position today—that they seek only an impartial investigation. Whatever decision emerges from such an investigation will be accepted, and they will continue to pursue justice within the limits permitted by law.
“Our foremost demand is an impartial investigation,” he said.
He further maintained that the JIT headed by A.D. Khawaja was the first investigative body to collect all relevant facts that had not been included in previous one-sided investigations and charge sheets.
Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri lamented that despite the passage of twelve years, the victims of the Model Town tragedy are still awaiting justice. Concluding his statement, he prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the Model Town martyrs and congratulated their families on their determination, perseverance, and steadfastness in the pursuit of justice.
He described them as courageous and conscientious individuals who have remained firm in the face of fear, temptation, wealth, pressure, and intimidation.
He concluded by saying, “We firmly believe that the blood shed by these martyrs will not go in vain. Whoever was involved in this oppression and injustice will ultimately be held accountable.”
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