KARACHI: The trial of Perween Rahman’s murder case was stalled since police was unable to provide security to witnesses and produce them in court.

The complainant’s counsel, Salahuddin Panhwar, said, “There are around 23 prosecution witnesses in the case, but none of them seems willing to come forward to record statements due to security concerns.”

Prosecution department officials said, “The absence of the witnesses and all others related to the case might not only delay the trial but also benefit the suspects.”

The accused included Ayaz Shamzai, Amjad Hussain Khan, Ali, Ahmed Khan, Imran Swati and Raheem Swati.

Police had earlier claimed that Qari Bilal, who was killed in an encounter, was Rahman’s killer.

Rahman was gunned down in 2013 near her office.

However, several human rights organisations implored the supreme court (SC) to order an inquiry into the matter.

The SC had then ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter.