ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan intervened on Wednesday over the murder and gang-rape of a 10-year-old girl, expressing his displeasure over delay in the arrest of the police official who had refused to register a case, sources told Dawn

The prime minister ordered the suspension of the sub-divisional police officer of Shahzad Town and removal of the superintendent of police (rural zone), sources in police and the capital administration said.

Police high-ups immediately sprung into action, arresting the station house officer of Shahzad Town police station and the investigation officer in the case. The arrests were made in the night and after that the two police officials were shifted to the police station and detained there.

An official of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) office confirmed the arrest and suspensions.

Prime Minister Khan also asked the IGP and the DIG Operation to submit a report about the crime.

Earlier, Inter Services Public Relations Director General Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor took to Twitter to express outrage over the incident.

“Brutal murder of innocent Farishta is highly condemnable,” he wrote. “Those responsible must be brought to justice. Army is ready to provide any support in this regard. We must rise and join to protect our future generations from vile and despicable elements who prey on vulnerable children.”

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2019