Probe report rules out blasphemy act

Investigations into the lynching of Mashal Khan, a 23-year-old journalism student of Wali Khan University in KPK province, on alleged blasphemy charges revealed that the varsity administration, with student leaders, plotted to eliminate him for political reasons. It also showed Khan, in fact, had not committed blasphemy at all.

A mob comprising scores of students and university staff lynched Khan, accusing him of having committed blasphemy, in April this year. A mobile video of the killing created an outcry in Pakistan, forcing the police to arrest hundreds.

Later, 60 people were charged with murder. The university was reopened last week after remaining closed for seven weeks.

A report compiled by a 13-member joint investigation team (JIT) looking into the incident said a group in the university incited a mob against Khan on pretext of blasphemy. It said, however, no proof was found that he had committed blasphemy.

Vocal about rights

The JIT report stated that Khan had been vocal about the rights of students at the university.

In its finding, the invetigating team said the murder was a “conspiracy” hatched by Sabir Mayar, president of the Pakhtun Student’s Federation, and Ajmal, president of the employees at the Abdul Wali Khan University.