The killing of Zeeshan Siddique, due to torture by the Rawalpindi Police, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for justice across Pakistan. Siddique, who was reportedly picked up from the Jhanda region of Rawalpindi, succumbed to his injuries, sparking a fresh wave of protests against police brutality.
The controversy intensified after a viral video emerged showing a woman named Sidra claiming that the police offered 700,000 Pakistani rupees to the family to stay silent about the incident. “The police want to hush this up with money, but we want justice for Zeeshan,” Sidra said in the video, which has been widely shared on social media platforms.
#Breaking Pakistan: Rawalpindi Punjab Police tortured to death a citizen named Zeeshan Siddique in a horrific incident. The victim’s family is seeking justice and criminal proceedings against the concerned police officers and other staff involved in the killing of a citizen.… pic.twitter.com/mMJlAx7uqb
— Eurasia Media Network (@EurasiaNewsNet) July 19, 2024
The allegations have cast a harsh spotlight on the Rawalpindi Police, already notorious for accusations of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. Public sentiment has been further inflamed by a tweet from crime reporter Israr Ahmed, who posted a picture of Zeeshan Siddique with the caption, “This is not the body of Zeeshan but the real face of Rawalpindi police being controlled by highly controversial and politically tainted IG and CPO.”
Human rights organisations and activists have condemned the incident, demanding immediate action and accountability. “This is yet another example of the impunity with which law enforcement operates in Pakistan,” said a human right activist. “The authorities must conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into Zeeshan Siddique’s death.”
This incident has once again raised serious questions about police practices and the protection of human rights in Pakistan. As public anger grows, there are increasing calls for systemic reforms to prevent further abuses and ensure justice for victims of police brutality.
According to the Rawalpindi police statements on X, investigations has been started and case registered against 8 police personnels who have been involved in this killing of citizen.
However, in most of these cases the police pressurize the victims’ families and its very rare when the uniformed culprits face the legal actions.
