Hina Javed family seeks NCHR probe intervention

The family of digital media executive Hina Javed has approached the National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR), alleging that her murder investigation has been compromised and calling for an impartial probe into the case.

In a letter submitted to the NCHR, Hina’s brother Fahad urged the commission to intervene, claiming that the investigation had not been conducted fairly and that evidence may have been tampered with.

Hina, 45, was found dead at her home in Rawalpindi last month. Police had reported signs of torture on her body. Her husband and a domestic worker were arrested in connection with the case after Hina’s family accused them of involvement in her death. Both suspects were subsequently sent to jail on judicial remand, while Hina’s father-in-law was also questioned by investigators.

According to the family’s letter, relatives met police officials on September 4 and raised concerns about what they described as shortcomings in the investigation and a departure from the allegations outlined in the first information report (FIR).

The family alleged that investigators were shifting the focus of the case away from Hina’s husband, whom they consider the main suspect, and placing greater responsibility on the domestic worker.

Hina’s brother further alleged that the husband’s brother had played a role in influencing the investigation and preventing evidence from being collected against the main suspect. The family claimed to possess voice messages that, according to them, indicate coordination between the husband’s brother and police officials.

The letter also alleged that evidence at the scene may have been disturbed following the incident, including items from the accused’s room, potential murder weapons, phone records and electronic messages. The family further claimed that the husband’s brother had told them he was in contact with members of the forensic team.

These allegations have not been independently established, and the claims regarding police conduct and evidence tampering remain subject to investigation.

The family has asked the NCHR to obtain the complete case record, investigation diaries and a progress report from the investigating officer. It also wants the commission to ensure that the case is investigated independently and transparently without any alleged influence from the family of the suspects.

Hina’s relatives have specifically requested that investigators collect sufficient evidence linking the husband to the alleged crime and have questioned what they describe as the absence of any recovery from him.

They also urged the NCHR to recommend to the Punjab inspector general of police that the investigation be handed over to a joint investigation team (JIT). The family has called for investigators to have no contact with the suspects’ relatives and for all accused persons to receive equal treatment while in custody.

The family has additionally asked the human rights body to examine the conduct of the forensic team in light of its allegations concerning the husband’s brother.

Citing provisions of the National Commission on Human Rights Act and the Pakistan Penal Code, the family argued that any alleged evidence tampering, abetment or criminal conspiracy should be investigated in accordance with the law.

The family also referred to provisions of the Police Order, 2002, under which an investigation can be transferred or a fresh probe ordered if the original investigation is found to be defective or compromised.