Victims’ Families Forgive IHC Judge’s Son in Islamabad Hit-and-Run Case
Families of two women killed in Islamabad hit-and-run forgive judge’s son, leading to his bail release.
Ayesha Mir
ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic turn, the families of two women killed in a hit-and-run in Islamabad have pardoned the son of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Muhammad Asif, clearing the way for his release on bail.
The accident occurred late Monday night near the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) at PTV Chowk, when a speeding SUV allegedly driven by Abuzar, the judge’s son, struck two women riding a scooter. One died instantly, while the other succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital, according to police reports. The SUV reportedly fled the scene, but authorities traced it through its registration and took the suspect into custody after a brief hospital visit.
Abuzar was presented in court under tight security after completing a four-day physical remand. Judicial Magistrate Shaista Kundi oversaw the proceedings, which were closed to the media. Following reconciliation talks, the victims’ families submitted a formal forgiveness statement, prompting the court to grant bail against a Rs50,000 surety.
One of the deceased’s brothers appeared in court, while the mother gave her testimony via video link. The father of the second victim also provided a statement. With this, the court approved the bail and ordered Abuzar’s release.
Authorities had invoked sections 279 (rash driving), 322 (manslaughter), and 427 (mischief causing damage) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Police impounded the vehicle and collected forensic samples as part of the investigation.
The incident has sparked public discussion about road safety and judicial accountability, evoking memories of a similar case in 2022 where the daughter of a Lahore High Court judge was involved in a fatal crash near Soan Bridge.
According to reports in Dawn, and The Express Tribune, the families’ decision to pardon Abuzar highlights the legal provision of reconciliation in Pakistan’s criminal justice system, allowing for cases of accidental deaths to be resolved outside full trial proceedings when victims’ families agree.
Abuzar walked out of court a free man on Saturday, bringing an emotional closure to both families in a case that had gripped Islamabad’s streets and newsrooms over the past week.
