The case of Sherish and Farzana has already met with several delays, the most recent and alarming of these being due to the advocate for the case, Mushtaq Gill, having to rush to the bedside of his brother, Pervaiz Gill. As we recently reported, Mr Gill was shot in a cowardly act of intimidation orchestrated by the accused Muhammad Azeem. Azeem has continually demanded a compromise and for the matter to be settled out of court. When his demands were not met, he carried out his threats of violence against both the family of Ilyas Masih, the father of the girls, by shooting at the family home, and now Mr Gill.
An additional delay in the case was caused by the organisation National Commission for Justice and Peace who tried to act for the father, Ilyas Masih, without his permission. When Mushtaq Gill petitioned against bail for the accused, Muhammad Nazeem, NCJP also did so. This further complicated matters and created confusion. Their petition was rejected by the court and the decision regarding our petition against bail is still awaited. The next hearing in the case has been fixed for 30th April. Another of the accused has also filed a petition for bail at the trial court in Jarawala, which will be heard 14th April.
We are determined that justice will be done for Sherish and Farzana. They have made tremendous progress under our care away from further threats, have begun to recover from their ordeal and learn new skills.
Please pray that there are no further delays or interference in the case and that the family can keep their resolve. Please also keep Mushtaq Gill and his family in your prayers. Advocate Gill has undertaken this case free of charge and remains committed to fighting it despite the enormous personal cost he has already incurred.