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June
10, 2004
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Mohammad Abid, sixteen-year-old burn victim, is returned from Greece after successful eye surgery that partially restored his eyesight. The aggrieved boy had suffered from multiple severe burn injuries including lost of both eyes in an acid attack in July 2002 when one Qari Amin, threw acid on him for refusing to commit sexual act. After the incident the aggrieved family contacted Madadgaar, Pakistan’s First Child Help line and a joint project of LHRLA & UNICEF, for legal and moral help. Mr. Zia Ahmed Awan, President LHRLA, took immediate notice of the case and agreed to provide legal and moral help to the victim. The print media gave full attention to the case and displayed the details of the case prominently. The story of Abid was also published in “The Telegraph” London; written by well-known Pakistani journalist, Mr. Masood Ansari. The story caught the attention of many readers and they agreed to form a fund for the treatment of sixteen-year old boy. The donations, including substantial help from Mr. Uri Geller, allowed the distressed boy to fly to Athens where world-renowned specialists at the Laservision Clinic offered him free treatment. The severe burn injuries extremely damaged the eyesight of young boy whose doctors said that, “Abid can see at all is little short of miraculous”. The acid burnt away his eyelids, and on his left eye fused the cornea, iris and lens into one lump- damaged that had been considered beyond repair. Dr. Anastasios John Kanellopoulos M.D. Director Laservision.gr Eye Institute Greece had conducted nine hours surgery and removed the frozen tissue and replaced it with a plastic prosthesis. A plastic surgeon took skin from behind Abid’s left ear and used it to reconstruct the eyelids of his left eye. After the surgery Abid is able to count fingers a foot away from his face. Dr. Anastasios John Kanellopoulos informed that the procedure was extremely risky that can improve his vision but they could also destroy it. The doctor believes that after six months Abid’s eyes should have settled enough to undergo a cornea transplant that could improve his sight more. Mr. Mohammad Haroon Tanoli informed the media that he had made so much effort for the treatment of his child and in this regard he also met to Mr. Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said that when they reached at Athens airport a large number of Pakistanis were present on the airport to welcome them and see his severely burnt son. They went to the hospital where doctors had several meetings with them and assured all possible help. Mr. Haroon Tanoli said that during his stay in Greece number of TV and radio channels recorded their interviews and added that Pakistani newspapers, published from Athens, also displayed their story very prominently in their publications. Mr. Haroon Tanoli also showed his gratitude for the utmost support of Pakistani community especially the office bearers of Pakistan Committee comprised of Chowdry Shabir, Chowdry Zaman, and Chowdry Ashraf during their stay in Greece. He informed that Pakistan’s ambassador in Athens was very kind towards them and offered his full support. Mr. Haroon Tanoli thanked all those individuals, journalists, government officials and civil society organizations that helped his son. He especially thanked the staff members of Madadgaar and LHRLA President Mr. Zia Ahmed Awan for making so much effort on his case. The partially sighted young boy, Mohammad Abid, thanked the media and Madadgaar staff to help him and his family. While recalling the incident he informed that on 1st July 2002, when he was resting at home his teacher Qari Amin accompanied by his friends came to his house and locked the main entrance from outside. Qari Amin then hurled acid on him that caused several severe burn injuries including the lost of both eyes. The boy said that the incident has caused extreme physical and mental torture that ruined his life completely. Mohammad Abid demanded that those who are responsible for his plight should pay the price of their misdeed. It is appropriate to mention that an FIR number 234/02 under section 324/34 was registered at Momin-a-bad Police Station and the police have arrested Qari Amin, Nisar Guddo s/o Israr Khan and Saeed Sheeda s/o Dawood while Amir Nawab s/o Gul Nawab is at large. Mr. Zia Ahmed Awan, President LHRLA, said that when he came to know the horrific incident of Mohammad Abid he had decided to help the aggrieved boy with all possible means. He said that he is closely monitoring the case proceedings and especially deputed a lawyer to pursue the Abid’s case. He informed that on the request of Madadgaar the Law department government of Sindh appointed Mr. Maula Bux Bhatti as Special Public Prosecutor for the case. On Friday 30th January 2004, Justice Sadiq Leghari of Sindh High Court rejected the bail application of the accused of Abid’s case. The LHRLA President informed that keeping in view the gravity of the case they have successfully persuaded the court of Additional Sessions Judge to transfer the case into Anti Terrorism Court. On 29th May Mr. Arshad Noor Khan, Judge Anti Terrorism Court No.5, observed that Abid’s case does not come under the jurisdiction of Terrorist Court and send it back to the Sessions Court. Mr. Zia Awan informed that he is going to file a constitutional petition in the Sindh High Court against the judgment of Terrorist Court. Mr. Zia Awan also urged the high police officials to take immediate steps for the arrest of absconding culprit, Amir Nawab. Mr. Mohammad Ali, In charge Missing Children Desk Madadgaar,
while talking on the occasion said that crimes against children and women
are increasing day by day. He said that police and other law enforcement
agencies are doing their work but observed that no proper system exists
to monitor the performance of these departments. He urged the representatives
of City Government to play their due role for the protection of children
and women in the city.
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| Issued
by:
Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid(LHRLA) |
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Further Information
Lawyers
for Human Rights and Legal Aid(LHRLA)
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